Tobacco cessation-scissor the consumption-a review

Abstract

Tobacco, a product prepared by curing of the leaves of the tobacco plant, is a killer. It is the only legally available and commonly used substance that will kill one third to half of the people who use it.1 Tobacco is the major cause of preventable mortality and morbidity all over the world. The tobacco epidemic is one of the major public health threats with one million deaths attributed to tobacco each year in India. High prevalence of overall tobacco use and rise in its consumption amongst women and youth is a cause of concern. Besides health, tobacco also has huge impacts on the economy and environment.1,2 This damage from tobacco is attributed to the fact that most of the tobacco users are unaware of the dangers related to the habit.3 India is the second largest consumer of tobacco products (after China) in the world and the second largest producer of tobacco (after China). India is at the second stage of epidemic, where the percentages of smokers as well as deaths due to smoking are on the rise. The deaths caused by tobacco are more than those caused by Malaria, TB, and HIV/ AIDS combined. In India, smokeless from is more prevalent than the smoking form with 75% being daily users.2 The oral cavity is the first area of the body affected by tobacco products. Tobacco use impacts many oral conditions, including dental caries, periodontal diseases, oral cancers, impaired wound healing, reduced ability to smell and taste, staining of the teeth, leukoplakia, oral precancerous lesions, halitosis and implant failure.4