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Resolution of Oral Lesions After Tobacco Cessation
Author(s) -
Shibly Othman,
Cummings K. Michael,
Zambon Joseph J.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
journal of periodontology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.036
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1943-3670
pISSN - 0022-3492
DOI - 10.1902/jop.2008.070544
Subject(s) - medicine , smokeless tobacco , smoking cessation , oral hygiene , periodontitis , physical examination , dentistry , surgeon general , oral examination , oral health care , oral health , family medicine , tobacco use , nursing , surgery , public health , environmental health , pathology , population
Background: Dentists and other health care professionals are familiar with the impact of tobacco on oral and general health. However, oral health care professionals do not often provide tobacco‐cessation counseling to their patients, thus reflecting a significant disconnect between research and clinical practice. This report demonstrates the benefits of tobacco cessation in resolving oral lesions and improving overall periodontal and oral health. Methods: A 51‐year‐old white male presented to the University at Buffalo, School of Dental Medicine clinic requesting an oral and periodontal examination as part of a presurgical protocol prior to cardiac surgery. A review of the patient's history from a health questionnaire revealed that he was using smokeless tobacco every day. An oral examination revealed several white lesions (5 × 10 mm) on the maxillary right and left labial mucosa. The patient was provided with tobacco‐cessation counseling as well as oral hygiene instructions and professional dental prophylaxis. Results: An oral examination 2 weeks after tobacco cessation revealed complete resolution of the oral lesions and overall improvement of periodontal and oral health. Conclusion: Although the findings presented in this article are based only on a single case report, the improvement in the patient's oral health after cessation of tobacco use was dramatic and reinforces the belief that tobacco‐cessation counseling should be a routine component of the standard of care for tobacco‐using patients.