Dr. Óscar Castro Reino, president of the General Council of Dentists, explains that “tobacco contains numerous carcinogenic agents, among which nitrosamines, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals stand out. Likewise, the formation of free radicals generates alterations in various oxidative enzymes involved in the carcinogenesis of oral cancer.”

In fact, smoking carries a three-fold increased risk of oral cancer and a seven-fold increased risk of pharyngeal cancer. The Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM) estimates that in 2024, 7,603 cases of cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx will be diagnosed. Regarding prevalence, this pathology will affect men (5,370) more than women (2,233).

In addition to being one of the main causes of oral cancer, tobacco causes stains on teeth, halitosis, periodontal disease, promotes implant failure, decreases the perception of odors and flavors, delays the healing of wounds in the mouth, increases pain after extractions, predisposes to fungal infection and alters the composition of saliva.

The use of electronic cigarettes and vapes increases

A recently published report by Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) and the WHO shows the increase in vaping among young people. Thus, the study reveals that approximately 32% of 15-year-olds had used electronic cigarettes during their lives, compared to 25% of 15-year-olds who had smoked a cigarette.

In Spain, these figures are similar, as reflected in the Report on Electronic Cigarettes published by the Ministry of Health in 2022, which reflects that practically half of the students between 14 and 18 years old have used it on some occasion. electronic cigarettes (48.4%).

The data are worrying, since these products are considered safer alternatives to conventional tobacco and a large part of the population considers them harmless. But from the General Council of Dentists we warn that electronic cigarettes and vapers release toxic substances - some of them carcinogenic - and that they can increase the chances of developing lung and heart problems. Likewise, these products not only do not help to quit smoking, but they hook users on nicotine. And those that are flavored and do not have nicotine are also harmful to health, since they contain glycerin and propylene glycol.

Regarding its effect on oral health, it has been identified that certain bacteria, such as Selenomonas, Leptotrichia and Saccharibacteria , are widely present in the microbiome of smokers and it is considered that they could also be present in vape users. In addition, Fusobacterium and Bacteroides have been detected in the microbiome of these people. This imbalance in the microbiome modifies the individual's immune response, aggravating the development of periodontal disease. Likewise, vaping can cause dry mouth (xerostomia), altered taste, bad breath, and throat irritation.

“It is necessary that measures be taken to implement policies that help quit smoking and, in turn, prevent young people from acquiring this habit that is so harmful to health. Together we must promote a healthier environment for the population,” concludes Dr. Castro.

Dr. Francisco Rodríguez Lozano, first dentist to receive a WHO award for his fight against smoking

Like every year, the World Health Organization (WHO) has organized the World No Tobacco Day Awards in Copenhagen , which recognize the people and institutions that have contributed the most to the fight against smoking.

On this occasion, one of the awards went to the Spanish Francisco Rodríguez Lozano, dentist and president of the Board of Directors of the European Association of Cancer Patients. Dr. Rodríguez Lozano has dedicated more than twenty years of his career to promoting the prevention of tobacco use, focusing especially on protecting young people from the advertising tactics of the tobacco industry. With extensive experience at the local, national and international level, Dr. Rodríguez Lozano has chaired the National Committee for Smoking Prevention in Spain and the European Network for Smoking and Tobacco Prevention, addressing this problem from various perspectives. Recently, he has successfully led campaigns in the Canary Islands to combat the tobacco industry's misleading promotions, demonstrating his strong commitment to protecting public health.

Dr. Óscar Castro Reino, president of the General Council of Dentists, publicly congratulates Dr. Rodríguez Lozano for being the first dentist in the world to receive this award, and that “highlights the high commitment that exists in our country to carry out “actions that address smoking, above all, to protect the younger generations.”