World No Tobacco Day Warns Teens of Tobacco's Oral Dangers

World No Tobacco Day Highlights Severe Oral Health Risks for Young Users

As World No Tobacco Day is observed today, Saturday, May 31st, 2025, a significant focus is being placed on the extensive health risks associated with tobacco use, particularly its immediate and severe impact on the oral health of adolescents. Alarming statistics on early tobacco adoption in India stress the urgent need for increased awareness and robust preventive measures.

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Tobacco's Immediate Toll on Young Mouths

While the long-term effects of tobacco on lung health are widely acknowledged, its detrimental impact often begins in the mouth. According to the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (2019), nearly 8.5 percent of Indian teenagers aged 13 to 15 currently use tobacco, with some initiating use even before the age of seven. Health experts warn that within weeks or months of starting, young users can experience issues such as persistent bad breath, stained teeth, bleeding gums, and oral sores, some of which carry the potential to become cancerous. Tobacco use damages gum tissue, compromises the mouth's immune response, and can lead to premature tooth loss and infections.

Broader Health Risks and Vulnerability of Youth

The dangers extend beyond smoking; smokeless tobacco products are equally harmful, leading to conditions like white patches (leukoplakia), gum disease, and oral cancers. Furthermore, every use of tobacco exposes the lungs to harmful chemicals, causing airway inflammation and increasing the risk of bronchitis, asthma, and chronic lung diseases, as highlighted by medical professionals. Adolescence is a critical period for habit formation, with peer pressure and curiosity often driving initial experimentation, making this age group particularly vulnerable to lifelong addiction.

The Importance of Early Education and Support for Quitting

Experts emphasise that "Teaching oral health in primary schools can prevent addiction before it starts." Regular dental check-ups are also crucial, as dentists can detect early warning signs of tobacco-related oral damage and provide counseling or referrals to cessation programs. For those looking to quit, various treatments, including nicotine replacement therapies (patches, gums) and medications like bupropion, are available, often complemented by supportive therapies.

World No Tobacco Day 2025 serves as a critical reminder of the pervasive health consequences of tobacco, especially the often rapid and severe damage to oral health in young users. Prioritizing early education, promoting regular dental visits, and ensuring access to cessation support are vital strategies in combating this significant public health challenge and protecting future generations.