Burden of tobacco use and control in India- A review

Tobacco is the only legal consumer product that harms every user, killing up to half of those who use it as intended. Tobacco abuse is one of the most harmful habits practiced by the population worldwide. Tobacco use is also a primary etiologic factor for periodontal disease and poor wound healing following oral surgery and gingival recession. In the current times, all tobacco-growing countries find that their efforts to control tobacco products are challenged by the tobacco industry. Despite India being the second largest tobacco producer and a major exporter, tobacco control measures in India have always been equally or more stringent than in many developed countries. However studies have strongly supported the argument that tobacco was of no real economic benefit to the nation, while being a major health hazard. Dental professionals play an active role as a Role model, Clinician, Educator, Scientist, Opinion-builder, Alliance-builder, Leaderand to watch out for the activities in the Tobacco industry while facing various barriers to aid in tobacco cessation for the people. Thus, the dangers of tobacco use, and other lifestyle risk factors needs to be well taught and reinforced in dental undergraduate curricula. A priority need is the education of the dentists and the other health care professionals as to the need for, and methods for, offering smoking cessation in their clinical environment.