No smoke without dire damage to the teeth

Smoking can damage teeth, particularly in young people, in addition to the well known harm caused to lungs and the cardiovascular system, local experts warned on Sunday, World No Tobacco Day.

This year’s theme is: “protecting youth from industry manipulation and preventing  tobacco and nicotine use.”

Dentists report about 90 percent of young people suffer periodontal disease. Smoking can not only cause periodontal disease but also worsen the effects, leading to tooth loss.

“Harmful elements like tar, nicotine and heavy metal can harm the mouth mucosa and cause dysbacteriosis, resulting in dental diseases,” said Dr Zhao Bing from Shanghai Ren’ai Hospital

Shanghai Ren’ai Hospital has teamed up with Roots and Shoots, a non-governmental organization, to establish a dental care education center for minors. 

It will offer free treatment for decayed teeth for 100 children between 6 and 12 years old, and health guidance on decayed teeth, deformed teeth and correct brushing of teeth and dental health care.

According to World Health Organization, about 5 million people are killed by diseases related to smoking, including 1.2 million Chinese, every year. More young people and children are exposed to second-hand smoking.