Tobacco and oral health

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kristin Hays
  • 66th Medical Squadron Dental Flight
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  "You're not healthy without good oral health," stated former U.S. Surgeon General C. Everett Koop.

More than 13 percent of the active duty Air Force population at Hanscom either smokes, uses smokeless tobacco (dip) or both. These numbers are about half of what they were 10 years ago, but still represent a significant healthcare risk for the community.

The American Cancer Society estimates that 39,400 new cases of oral and throat cancer will be diagnosed in 2011, along with 221,130 new cases of lung cancer. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in both men and women.

It is estimated that the use of tobacco products costs the nation almost $100 billion dollars annually in healthcare costs and lost productivity. Like cigars and cigarettes, smokeless tobacco contains chemicals linked to cancer. At least 28 cancer-causing chemicals have been identified in smokeless tobacco.

Since manufacturers add sugar to these products to make them taste better, tobacco users are also at an increased risk for developing tooth decay. Additionally, the use of tobacco products has been shown to increase the risk of developing periodontal disease, which erodes the supporting structures of the teeth, causing them to loosen. Without treatment, these teeth will either fall out spontaneously or have to be removed by a dentist due to pain and infection.

Besides periodontal disease and tooth decay, numerous studies have shown links between tobacco use and obesity, diabetes, kidney disease and cardiovascular disease.

The American Cancer Society marks the 36th Great American Smokeout on Nov. 17. This awareness program encourages tobacco users to use the date as a starting point in developing a plan to quit the use of tobacco.

Supervisors, wingmen and commanders should encourage Airmen to stop or at least reduce tobacco use. Contact the Health and Wellness Center at 781-377-6560 for information on their four-part tobacco cessation program.