The Pediatric Dentist’s Role in the Prevention and Cessation of Tobacco Use Among Children and Adolescents

Abstract

Most tobacco users began using tobacco products by age 18. Pediatric dentists play a vital role in providing care and advocating for the health of all children and adolescents. Helping to ensure all youth achieve their optimal health includes the critical role of pediatric dentists to prevent initiation of tobacco use among their patients. With myriad risk factors for tobacco use, pediatric dental providers are likely to encounter many youth tobacco users. The multitude of harms from tobacco use have severe lifetime consequences for users. Pediatric dentists should support the prevention and cessation of tobacco product use by youth.