Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in America
What is the prevalence of
use?
It is estimated that almost 25% of high school students
and 8% of middle school students have tried some type of tobacco. The products
they have used include cigarettes, e-cigarettes, hookahs, and smokeless
tobacco. Even though the use of traditional cigarettes has declined among U.S.
What factors increase the
risk of tobacco use?
·
Studies have shown
that teens are more likely to use tobacco products if they have parents,
siblings or friends using tobacco.
·
Easy access to
tobacco products.
·
They watch movies
or shows that feature prominent characters smoking.
·
They are exposed
to tobacco advertisements.
·
Advent of
e-cigarettes and flavored products appeal to a younger demographic.
How is tobacco use harmful?
·
Increases the
risk of asthma, cancer, heart disease, and respiratory disease.
·
Higher risk of
oral conditions:
o
Gum disease, bad
breath (halitosis), stained or darkened teeth, or even tooth loss.
·
It increases the
risk of oral cancer, which is the 6th most common form of cancer.
Over a half million people are estimated to have oral and oropharyngeal cancer
each year. Approximately 150,000 are expected to die each year from this type
of cancer.
Tip for talking to teens
about the harms for tobacco use:
·
Try to create an
environment in which you can talk openly.
·
Explain how
tobacco products can be harmful to overall and oral health.
·
Talk about a plan
that could help them say no to peer pressure.
·
It is also
important to establish rules so your teens understand tobacco use will not be
tolerated, and follow those rules.
·
Important for
adults to avoid using tobacco to help set a positive example.
·
The only bad way
to talk to your kids about tobacco is to not talk about it at all.
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