Oral Hygiene Education - 4
Clients should also be given information about the benefits of smoking cessation. Xerostomic clients lack the protective effects of salivary mucins against carcinogens and toxins, and smoking further adds to oral dryness and irritation.9,11As smoking is a primary environmental risk factor for periodontal disease and oral cancer, the dental hygienist should assess tobacco use during the comprehensive health history review, and make appropriate recommendations.80, 81, 82, 83 A variety of products can be used to assist with smoking cessation, including OTC nicotine patches, nicotine chewing gum and the prescription drug Zyban® a.
