Prevention. Part 1: smoking cessation advice within the general dental practice.

Smoking remains the largest single preventable cause of death and disability in the UK and costs the NHS 1.7 billion pound each year. More than 120,000 people die prematurely due to smoking related diseases. Worldwide smoking is the single most important public health problem. The detrimental effects of smoking and tobacco use on oral health are well recognised. Oral cancers and pre-cancers, periodontal diseases and poor wound healing are the most significant and serious effects of smoking on the mouth. In addition, staining of the teeth, soft tissue changes and halitosis are aesthetic and social impacts of smoking directly related to oral health.