• 9/14/2005
  • Santa Fe, NM
  • Susan Aldridge
  • Health & Age, Sept. 14, 2005

People who smoke are less likely to visit the dentist, even though they run a greater risk of oral health problems.

A regular visit to the dentist is a must for everyone. Not only can your dentist pick up problems with teeth, he or she can also check for gum disease or oral cancer. But, according to a survey sponsored by the US National Institutes of Health and the Center for Disease Control, smokers are missing out on dental care. This is a cause for concern as smoking can promote both gum disease and oral cancer.

The survey showed that 33 per cent of current smokers had had at least one dental visit in the last year compared to 45 per cent of non-smokers. The researchers would now like to know why smokers are so reluctant to go to the dentist. Perhaps they fear being judged and urged to quit smoking. It’s important that dental professionals do more to educate smokers on the added risk they run regarding their dental health. But they need to tread a fine line between judgement and concern. If the dentist can help someone quit smoking, that’s good. If they cannot, then at least more regular dental checks can be encouraged.

Source:
American Journal of Health Behavior August 2005