Tobacco Production

India occupies the third position in the world with an annual production of about 800 million kgs. of the different types grown, flue-cured tobacco, country tobacco, burley, bidi.

Tobacco depletes the soil nutrients at a very rapid rate and displaces the indigenous flora and fauna thus becoming a source of pests for other crops.

Revenue Generation

The total central excise revenue from all tobacco products in the year 2011-12 amounted to only 17 percent (174 billion) of the estimated economic costs of tobacco.

Tobacco Users

Tobacco kills nearly one million people in India every year.

34.6% of adults in India are consuming tobacco in any form; 47.9% of males and 20.3% of females.

5500 children are initiate into using tobacco every day in India.

It pushes the poor into an endless cycle of poverty because of the ill health effects of tobacco.

Second Hand Smoke (SHS)

SHS is three- to four-times more toxic per gram of particulate matter than mainstream tobacco smoke.

52% of the adults (rural-58%, urban-39%) were exposed to Second Hand Smoking(SHS) at home.

Tobacco Related Diseases

Can be perceived under 3 main groups, namely, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), pulmonary diseases, and cancer. Tobacco consumption also adversely affects reproductive health, digestive process, vision, bone metabolism, dental hygiene, and perhaps, diminished performance in virtually every functioning cell.

Treatment Costs

The total economic costs attributable to tobacco use from all diseases in India in the year 2011 for persons aged 35-69 years amounted to a staggering Rs. 1,04,500 crore.

Direct medical costs amounted to Rs. 16,800 crore and associated indirect morbidity cost Rs. 14,700 crore.

The cost from premature mortality was estimated at Rs. 73,000 crore.

(These figures are as per the study conducted by Public Health Specialists for WHO and MoHFW and released on 29th May 2014 by the Former Union Health Minister, Dr. Harsh Vardhan)

Monetary Losses Iincurred to Government's Preventive Treatment

Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs): Rs. 3,600 crores;

Respiratory Diseases (excluding Tuberculosis): Rs. 2,800 crores;

Tuberculosis: Rs. 2,300 crores;

Cancers: Rs. 1,400 crores

(These figures are as per the study conducted by Public Health Specialists for WHO and MoHFW and released on 29th May 2014 by the Former Union Health Minister, Dr. Harsh Vardhan)

Price Hike

10% increase in bidi prices could reduce rural bidi consumption by 9.2% and a 10% increase in cigarette prices could reduce rural cigarette consumption by 3.4%.

Did you know that use of smokeless tobacco products can lead to nicotine dependence or addiction.

Did you know that smokeless tobacco uses results in gingival recession.

Did you know that Nicotine is similar in all critical measures to prototypic drugs of abuse such as morphine and cocaine.

Did you know that nicotine is psychoactive, producing transient dose-related changes in mood and feeling.

Did you know that Nicotine produces a variety of individual- specific therapeutic actions such as mood and performance enhancement; and the brief effects of nicotine ensure that conditioning occurs, because the behavior is associated with numerous concomitant environmental stimuli.

Did you know that since the exposure to nicotine from smokeless tobacco is similar in magnitude to nicotine exposure from cigarette smoking, the health consequences of smoking that are caused by nicotine also would be expected to be hazards of smokeless tobacco use.

Did you know that we are concerned about the contributory or supportive role that nicotine plays in the pathogenesis of disease including coronary artery and peripheral vascular disease, hypertension, peptic ulcer disease, and fetal mortality and morbidity.

Did you know that grit and sand in smokeless tobacco products scratches teeth and wears away the hard surface or enamel. Premature loss of tooth enamel can cause added sensitivity and may require corrective treatment.

Did you know that constant irritation to the spot in the mouth where a small wad of chewing tobacco is placed can result in permanent damage to periodontal tissue. It also can damage the supporting bone structure. The injured gums pull away from the teeth, exposing root surfaces and leaving teeth sensitive to heat and cold. Erosion of critical bone support leads to loosened teeth that can be permanently lost.

Did you know that Nicotine blood levels achieved by smokeless tobacco use are similar to those from cigarette smoking. Nicotine addiction can lead to an artificially increased heart rate and blood pressure. In addition, it can constrict the blood vessels that are necessary to carry oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. Athletic performance and endurance levels are decreased by this reaction.

Did you know that chewing tobacco lessens a person's sense of taste and ability to smell. As a result, users tend to eat more salty and sweet foods, both of which are harmful if consumed in excess.

Did you know that with the practice of "chewing" and "dipping," tobacco and its irritating juices are left in contact with gums, cheeks and/or lips for prolonged periods of time. This can result in a condition called leukoplakia. Leukoplakia appears either as a smooth, white patch or as leathery- looking wrinkled skin. It results in cancer in 3 percent to 5 percent of all cases.

Did you know that all forms of smokeless tobacco contain high concentrations of cancer- causing agents. These substances subject users to increased cancer risk not only of the oral cavity, but also the pharynx, larynx and esophagus.

Did you know that if you use smokeless tobacco, or have in the past, you should be on the lookout for some of these early signs of oral cancer:

• A sore that does not heal
• A lump or white patch
• A prolonged sore throat
• Difficulty in chewing
• Restricted movement of the tongue or jaws
• A feeling of something in the throat

Did you know that pain is rarely an early symptom. For this reason, all tobacco users need regular dental check-ups.

Preventive Care for Smokers

Regular dentist visits are must for smokers\tobacco users in order to benefit from professional cleanings.

A proper oral hygiene plan is extremely important for smokers. Smokers should be brushing, flossing, and using a tongue cleaner and mouthwash on a regular basis, at least twice daily.

Having the right toothbrush can be something that is often overlooked, but it is something that should not be neglected. Smokers should use a toothbrush that is more targeted for the general trouble areas. The toothbrush should also be able to reach the difficult areas in the back of the gums.

Toothbrush bristles should be stiff and strong enough to be able to tackle the hard stains left by tar in the tobacco.

Fortunately, there are at-home teeth whitening procedures available that effectively rid teeth of the yellowish-brown stains caused by smoking. Choose your teeth-whitening wisely after asking your dentist. It's important to note that, after whitening teeth, if a person continues to smoke, their teeth will stain again.

Smokers should also buy toothpaste that is made specifically for smokers, as they are chemically stronger and better able to tackle harder to clean bacteria.

Mouthwash helps combat the bad breath many smokers experience. There are also mouthwashes that are targeted just for smokers, ask your dentist.

Smokers must avoid foods can cause staining and erosion. Foods that can cause further staining, compounding on the damages already done by the use of tobacco. Coffee and soda are common drinks that can stain the teeth. Smokers should also avoid eating foods that are highly acidic in composition as they can cause enamel breakdown and cavities.

• Early detection for oral cancer results in a survival outcome of 90%…However, delayed diagnosis means survival rates plummet to as little as 50%.
• Risk factors for oral cancer are many like tobacco use alcohol use, sun exposure (lips), anyone who has already had some form of head and neck cancer, and human papilloma virus infection.
• One person in ten is unaware of the threat of mouth cancer.
• More than one in four are unaware smoking is leading cause of mouth cancer.
• Symptoms of oral cancer may include red, white and/or a mixture of these colors in patches, a non-healing sore in the mouth or on the lips, bleeding, loose teeth, swallowing problems, new denture problems, lumps or bumps on the neck, and earaches.
• Oral cancer is diagnosed by the patient's history and physical exam and definitively by a biopsy of oral tissue; occasionally, CT scans, MRI scans or PET scans may be used.
• The treatment of oral cancer is usually decided in conjunction with the patient's doctor.
• Methods of treatment for oral cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy.
• The side effects of oral cancer treatment may include pain, weakness, altered facial appearance, difficulty in swallowing or chewing food, dry mouth, tooth decay, sore throat, sore gums, bleeding, infections, denture problems, voice quality, thyroid problems, fatigue, hair loss, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Rehabilitation after oral cancer surgery consists of regaining strength, developing a healthy diet the patient can tolerate, and possibly dental implants or facial reconstruction surgery.
• After treatment and rehabilitation, checkups are needed to maintain health and make sure that the oral cancer does not recur.
• Oral cancer treatment can result in significant lifestyle changes; most patients are advised to discuss lifestyle problems with dental professionals to help patients get the care they may need.
• Smokeless "spit" tobacco contains over 2,000 chemicals, many of which have been directly related to causing cancer.
• Chewing tobacco increases the risk of oral cancer and the excess risk of cancers of the cheek and gum may reach nearly fifty-fold among long-term snuff users.
• Smokeless tobacco use is responsible the development of a portion of oral leukoplakias in teenage and adult users. The degree to which the use of tobacco affects the oral had and soft tissues is depending on the site of action, type of smokeless product used, frequency and duration of use.
• Longer use of smokeless tobacco results in a prevalence of leukoplakic lesions. Oral leukoplakias commonly found at the site of tobacco placement.
• A portion of these dysplastic lesions can further develop into carcinomas of either a verrcous or squamous cell variety.

Here’s how you can take an active role in preventing oral cancer or detecting it in its early stages:

1. Always brush and floss your teeth regularly. An unhealthy mouth reduces your immune system and inhibits your body’s ability to fight off potential cancers.
2. Do not smoke (or chew) any type of tobacco product. If you are a smoker, even with a casual habit, make the decision to stop
3. Drink alcohol in moderation (one to two drinks per day) and never binge drink. The risk of developing oral cancer increases with the amount and length of time alcohol and tobacco products are used.
4. Limit your exposure to the sun. We all know we need to use sunscreen, but do we remember to apply it to our lips? Always use UV-A/B-blocking sun protection on your lips when you are in the sun. Repeated exposure increases the risk of cancer on the lips, especially the lower lip. There are a lot of handy lipstick-size sunscreen tubes to pop in your purse for everyday use. Some even come with a colour tint and flavour to replace your regular lip gloss or moisturizer.
5. Exercise regularly. An active lifestyle is known to boost the immune system and help ward off cancer.
6. Choose cancer-fighting foods in your diet. Eat lots of beans, berries, cruciferous vegetables (like cabbage and broccoli), dark green leafy vegetables, flaxseed, garlic, grapes, green tea, soy and tomatoes for their role in cancer prevention.
7. How you prepare those foods is also important in the prevention of cancer. Replace frying and grilling with baking, boiling or steaming. Use healthy spices like garlic, ginger and curry powder for added flavour.
8. See your dentist regularly (at least every six months) and ask for an oral cancer screening to be done.
9. Conduct a self exam at least once a month. It only takes a few minutes of your time, but could make a big difference in your life. Buy a handy mouth mirror for those hard-to-see areas. Be sure to check the back and sides of your tongue. If you see or feel anything suspicious ‘ lumps, bumps, tender areas, white, red or grey patches, see your dentist to have it checked.

Oral diseases and other chronic diseases can be decreased simultaneously by addressing common risk factors. These include:

Oral Hygiene

Ensuring proper oral hygiene helps to retain teeth. Adults over 35 years are prone to gum diseases, like periodontal disease. This can be prevented by daily tooth brushing and flossing. This removes plaque (a colorless film, which sticks to your teeth at the gum line). Plaque constantly forms on your teeth. By daily cleaning you can prevent periodontal disease.

Dental cavities can be prevented by maintaining a constant low level of fluoride in the oral cavity. Fluoride can be obtained from fluoridated toothpaste, as well as from professionally-applied fluoride or mouth rinse. Long- term exposure results in fewer dental cavities in both children and adults.

Nutrition

This plays a large role in your dental health. Having a balanced diet helps to boost your body’s immune system, leaving you less vulnerable to oral disease. Decreasing sugar intake and maintaining a well-balanced nutritional intake to prevent tooth decay and premature tooth loss.

How often and what you eat have been found to affect your dental health. Eating starchy foods such as crackers, bread, cookies and candy causes the bacteria in your mouth feed on it, they then produce acids, which attack your teeth for up to 20 minutes or more. Also foods that stick to your teeth or are slow to dissolve give the acids more time to work on destroying your tooth enamel.

Starchy foods:

• crackers
• breads
• cookies
• candy

Sticky/slow to dissolve foods:

• granola bars
• chewy fruit snacks
• dried fruit
• potato chips
• hard candy

Sticky and starchy foods create less acid when eaten as part of a meal. Saliva production increases at mealtime, rinsing away food particles and neutralizing harmful acids.

Foods such as nuts, cheese, onions, and some teas have been shown to slow growth of decay- causing bacteria in the mouth.

Consume fruit and vegetables that can protect against oral cancer.

Stop tobacco use and decreasing alcohol consumption to reduce the risk of oral cancers, periodontal disease and tooth loss.