The rate of smoking in
America has been cut roughly in half, to about 19 percent, from 42 percent in
1965. Yet smoking remains the leading
cause of preventable death, killing 443,000 Americans a year, according to the
CDC
located here in Atlanta, GA. According to the government, an estimated
4,000 youths try their first cigarette every day, and 1,000 a day become
regular smokers.
Most likely emboldened by
a case the government won last year in a federal court in Kentucky on its
overall ability to require larger warning labels with images, Federal health
officials released on Tuesday their final selection of nine graphic warning
labels to cover the top half of cigarette packages beginning next year, over
the opposition of tobacco manufacturers.
The government won and the
specific images released Tuesday are likely to stir further legal action. The Kentucky case is before the United States
Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
Meanwhile back at the ranch,
R.J. Reynolds, Lorillard and Commonwealth Brands, the second, third and fourth
largest United States cigarette makers, said in a submission to the F.D.A., the
“nonfactual and controversial images” were “intended to elicit loathing,
disgust and repulsion” about a legal product.
Unfortunately what the
tobacco industry fails to understand is this is a critical moment for the
United States to move forward in attempting to utilize enhanced efforts in this
area according to the F.D.A. commissioner, Dr. Margaret A. Hamburg. As much as
seven years ago smoking leveled off at about the 20 percent level of adult and
youth in this country and we need to step up our action to eliminate smoking
all together.
According to the CDC, approximately 75% of all oral cavity
and pharyngeal cancers—mouth, tongue, lips, throat, nose, and larynx— can
be attributed to the use of tobacco related products. Those who
choose to use cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, or snuff, place
themselves at a much higher risk of developing oral cancer and other diseases,
such as heart disease, emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
The U.S. Surgeon General agrees that oral
health is a strong indicator of one’s overall health and well-being (CDC,
2006). Often, diseases give their first
warning signs in the form of a patient’s oral problems. Without consistent care and monitoring,
several oral health problems can result.
Immediate risks include gingivitis, cavities, tooth decay, and other gum
diseases which can eventually result in various types oral cancer. There is a “silent epidemic” (U.S. Surgeon
General) that can be avoided by regular treatment at home and dental visits at
least twice each year. While practicing good oral hygiene at
home is vital to your health, there is only so much that personal oral
maintenance can do. A normal person can
easily overlook conditions that could greatly complicate or even end one's
life. Thus, visiting your dentist for regular checkups is
vital to a healthier
smile.
"Routine dental exams uncover problems
that can be easily treated in the early stages, when damage is minimal"
(American Dental Association [ADA], 2008).
Now that it is known that gum disease can be a major risk factor for
heart disease, stroke, and certain forms of cancer, regular visits to your
dentist can help prevent and treat this disease. By treating conditions early and learning
from your dentist how to prevent oral diseases, you can achieve better health
and ultimately better quality years of life.
Your dental care is an
important aspect of your general health care.
So you need to make sure you find a dentist that is right for you and
your family. This can be a difficult process.
Look for someone who’s competent and you feel comfortable with, one you
can have a collaborative relationship with. This is important because there are
conditions and problems that were not discussed in this article that the
dentist will need to pay attention to during your regular checkups. Hopefully
after reading this article, you will have a heightened understanding of the
basic need for
good
oral health.
If you have additional questions or concerns
feel free to contact us.
Dr. Scheinfeld is
an Emory University School of Dentistry trained prosthodontist treating
patients in the Sandy Springs, East Cobb, Dunwoody, Roswell, Johns Creek,
Alpharetta, Vinings and Buckhead areas of Metro Atlanta. Of the 170,000 dentists in the U.S., less
than 2% are prosthodontist.
Novy Scheinfeld,
DDS, PC
290 Carpenter
Drive, 200A
Atlanta (Sandy
Springs), GA 30328
404-256-3620
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