Current concepts in tobacco cessation and prevention

Abstract

In the recent years, for oral care in general, both improving oral hygiene and tobacco use cessation have been identified as necessary measures to gain and maintain long-term periodontal health. This growing evidence has given the dental team a whole new task to tackle when achieving and maintaining oral health with their patients.
In order to support dental patients to quit tobacco use, it is helpful for the clinician to have a clear understanding of the genesis of ‘tobacco use disease’ in general.
At present, the evidence-based method for tobacco use cessation consists of professional counselling on behavioural change using the so called “5A Method” (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist and Arrange”) in combination with pharmacotherapy. A suitable model for behavioural support in tobacco use cessation would help patients to move from one stage to the next.
People who want to quit the smoking habit do not always participate in carefully controlled nicotine withdrawal programs, e.g. in linear fashion and from start to finish. Nevertheless, simple instructions – like those offered in the “Assist” (to help) and “Arrange” (to organize follow-up visits) – can be valuable tools for dental professionals supporting their patients to quit smoking.
On the basis of significant evidence on the recovery of the oral mucosa and the periodontal tissue following tobacco use cessation, a new task has been emerged in dentistry: the role of oral health professionals providing counselling for patients who ought to quit tobacco use.