According to research undertaken by the NHS Information Centre, nearly one in two (45 per cent) 11 to 15 year olds consumed alcohol, while more than one in four (27 per cent) admitted to smoking, a figure higher than the number of adults who smoke (21 per cent). Over half (55 per cent) of respondents deemed it acceptable to try alcohol. Also, over a third (35 per cent) said the same thing about smoking.
Although the publication of these figures represent an improvement over the last 10 years, the British Dental Health Foundation, believes they still show cause for concern. Chief executive of the foundation, Nigel Carter, issued a stark warning to parents and children putting their oral health at risk, saying ‘If you smoke, you are at a higher risk of developing gum disease, the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. Smoking and alcohol are also the two predominant causes of mouth cancer, and when combined they increase the risk of getting the disease by up to 30 times. Drinking alcohol, particularly to excess, can increase the risk of mouth cancer by four times. The UK has a problem with binge drinking, and from an oral health point of view, more must be done to educate this age range on the dangers that poses.’
Nigel’s concerns over the high numbers of drinkers is reflected in the figures on smokers, particularly as tobacco use and drinking accounts for around three in every four cases of mouth cancer. He added: ‘It is encouraging the see the level of smokers fall, but from an oral health point of view it is clear we still have some way to go in order to eradicate habits detrimental to oral hygiene. In the UK, 21 per cent of the population currently smoke, and it is alarming to see that figure substantially higher amongst such a young age group. Even if they were adults, it is still a very high figure. It is also worrying to see a higher number of young men and women who deem it acceptable to try smoking. The risks of smoking have been well documented for several years, yet these figures suggest the message isn’t getting through. It can lead to many oral health problems such as tooth staining, gum disease, tooth loss, and in severe cases, mouth cancer.’