Do you talk
to your patients about smoking cessation and nicotine replacement therapy
(NRT)? Recent best practice guidelines sponsored by the U.S. Public Health
Service have urged all healthcare practitioners to identify tobacco users among
their patients and counsel them as a regular part of clinical practice. This
can include educating the patient on the health, social and economic costs of
smoking, informing patients of the immediate benefits of smoking cessation, and
providing behavior-based education to support cessation efforts.1
As part of the personalized approach recommended by the U.S. Public Health
Service, clinicians are asked to relate tobacco use to the patients' current
health or illness1. Dental patients may benefit from understanding the
association between smoking and gingivitis,2 the causal relationship
between smoking and periodontitis,3 or the increased risk of tooth
loss and how smoking cessation can significantly assist in a patient's chances
of tooth retention.4
To advise the patient on the social and economic costs of smoking,1 professionals
may find an opportunity to discuss tobacco cessation within the context of
whitening procedures, demonstrating how the staining associated with smoking
counter-effects cosmetic whitening treatments.5
Recommended best practices for behavior-based cessation support can include
helping the patient develop a quit plan, providing counseling and support
materials to increase patient understanding of potential triggers and
challenges, and guiding the patient toward social support outside of regular
treatment. The U.S. Public Health Service also recommends the use of approved
pharmacotherapies for all patients who smoke and are trying to quit. First-line
pharmacotherapies include bupropion SR, nicotine gum, nicotine inhalers,
nicotine nasal spray and nicotine patches.1
Interested in more information on the efficacy of nicotine replacement therapy
products, and how smoking cessation can help your patients' oral and overall
health? Find out about just a few NRT products available below:
-
NicoDerm CQ® nicotine transdermal patch
-
Commit® Lozenge
-
Nicorette® gum
And for more information on the clinicals and research, continuing education
and journal resources associated with nicotine replacement therapy, click a
topic at right.
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