Hygiene Atlas

Atlas · Plate XVII · Patient Management and Special Needs · 03

Tobacco cessation

Every tobacco user should get at least a brief intervention: Ask, Advise and Refer to a quitline such as 1-800-QUIT-NOW, or the full 5 A's. First-line medications are nicotine replacement, varenicline and bupropion SR. Smokers show more stain, calculus and periodontitis but less bleeding on probing, and vaping is not an FDA-approved quit aid.

High-yield facts · 6

  1. Brief intervention: Ask, Advise, Refer (to a quitline such as 1-800-QUIT-NOW), or the 5 A's: Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, Arrange follow-up.T2
  2. First-line medications: nicotine replacement (patch, gum, lozenge, inhaler, nasal spray), varenicline and bupropion SR.T2
  3. Nicotine gum uses "chew and park" against the cheek for buccal absorption; acidic drinks reduce absorption.T2
  4. Withdrawal symptoms peak within the first few days and ease over 2-4 weeks.T2
  5. Smokers have more calculus, staining, periodontitis, delayed healing and oral cancer; bleeding on probing is reduced.S38
  6. E-cigarettes and vaping deliver nicotine and are linked to dry mouth and gingival inflammation; they are not FDA-approved cessation aids.T2

Facts are written in our own words; each tag links to its source. Values marked "sources vary" differ between references, so check the one your program uses.