The research, published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, was lead by associate professor of Kuwait University, Sisko Honkala, based on the ‘Adolescent health and lifestyle survey’ conducted in Finland.
Many are still unaware of the damage smoking does to the mouth, yet during adolescence, some young people often experiment with smoking which, if continued, can have a detrimental effect on their health. Peer pressure is the single most common reason for adolescents taking up the habit. According to the chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Nigel Carter, the evidence presented points to a clear gap in oral health education.
Nigel said: ‘It is clear from the findings of the research that this particular age group could potentially have many oral health problems relating to their lifestyle choices. Multiple unhealthy behaviours, particularly at an age when you are still developing, can have a lasting impact. Parents and schools must look to educate young adults and adolescents on the choices they are making and the impact they have, not just on their oral health, but on their general health too. It is not unreasonable to suggest this trend would be reflected throughout the generations, as in general smokers have a greater risk gum disease through poor lifestyle and oral hygiene habits.’
A good oral hygiene routine is something the foundation considers extremely important to maintain good oral health, regardless of whether you smoke or not.
Nigel added: ‘If you smoke, the best way to look after your teeth is by quitting, and with dental practices taking a more active role in smoking cessation, more help than ever before is available to help you do so. Tobacco is the most likely cause of mouth cancer, linked to around three-quarters of all cases of a disease which kills one person every five hours in the UK. With around 21 per cent of the UK’s population still smoking and incidence rates continuing to rise, more must be done to raise awareness of the disease and educate the general public on how to reduce the risk of serious oral health problems generated by smoking.’