The ADA Science and Research Institute found that harmful bacteria and inflammation in the mouth can indicate and even cause systemic conditions throughout the body. Improving awareness of the oral-systemic connection and interdisciplinary collaboration among health care professionals has many benefits. By sharing knowledge and expertise, you can provide more effective and targeted care, leading to better patient outcomes.
Periodontal disease has been linked to systemic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, pre-term/low-weight births, cancer and more. Conversely, many systemic diseases, conditions and even medications can affect a patient's oral health.
The following information can help you and your team assist tobacco-using patients to take a more active role in their oral health, which can lead to an improvement in their overall health:
Cigarette smoking is 1 of the leading causes of preventable death and disease in the United States. It accounts for approximately 20% of deaths.
Health care workers, especially dentists and their team members, can play a key role in reducing its prevalence through consistently identifying patients who smoke, advising them to quit and offering them information about cessation treatment.
Because of the oral health implications of tobacco use, dental practices may provide a uniquely effective setting for tobacco use recognition, prevention, and cessation. Dentists often note tobacco use in the patient's chart, but do not further address the significance of this condition or the patient’s desire to quit tobacco. This is due to many factors including:
To assist you with talking with patients about this health concern, you may use the following facts to highlight the importance of tobacco cessation: