On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, celebrated every May 31, the General Council of Dentists of Spain reminds people of the serious effects of smoking on health, especially oral health, and highlights the essential role dentists can play in both the early detection of injuries and supporting smoking cessation.
Tobacco use remains one of the leading preventable causes of illness and death worldwide. In the area of oral health, it is directly linked to serious diseases such as:
Oral and oropharyngeal cancer: approximately 8,000 new cases are diagnosed annually in Spain, with a direct relationship to tobacco in 90% of diagnoses.
Periodontal disease: Smokers have a 2 to 6 times higher risk of periodontitis, a condition that can lead to tooth loss.
Delayed healing after oral surgeries and implants.
Halitosis, dental stains, decreased taste and salivation.
During the dental consultation, the professional can detect early signs of tobacco-related damage even before the patient experiences symptoms. Furthermore, the dentist is trained to offer advice, follow-up care, and motivational strategies to support the patient in their quitting process.