Dental Providers

A health care provider’s role is essential in helping your patients consider quitting tobacco and vaping products.

As a dentist, dental hygienist or other dental provider, you may be the first to recognize the signs that your patient’s oral health is threatened due to their tobacco use. Early detection is key to limiting the spread and continued deterioration of their oral health.

Tobacco use drastically increases patients’ risk of developing periodontal (gum) disease, tooth decay and cancers of the oral cavity and beyond. As you likely know, oral health problems can lead to a variety of other health issues, so be on the look-out for signs of these oral health concerns. Your advice could be what pushes your patients to finally quit.

With your professional advice and assessment of their oral health, your patients are more likely to attempt quitting their habit. Learn more about cessation medications.

For more information on oral health in South Dakota, you can access the South Dakota Oral Health Coalition’s plan through the South Dakota Department of Health.

View the State Plan

To learn more about tobacco and its effect on oral health, go to the CDC or the American Dental Association.