FDI statement on tobacco

The FDI has issued an authoritative statement on tobacco in 1996 to emphasise the importance of tobacco control for oral health. The key points are the recognition of tobacco as a serious risk to health and oral health, the necessity to integrate tobacco issues in all education and the protection of children by preventing early initiation and exposure to tobacco smoke.

  

FDI Statement on Tobacco

Tobacco in Daily Practice


The use of tobacco is harmful to general health as it is a common cause of addiction, preventable illness, disability and death. The use of tobacco causes an increased risk for oral cancer, periodontal disease and other deleterious oral conditions and it adversely affects the outcome of oral health care.

The FDI urges its Member Associations and all oral health professionals to take decisive actions to reduce tobacco use and nicotine addiction among the general public.
The FDI also urges all oral health professionals to integrate tobacco use prevention and cessation services into their routine and daily practice.

Tobacco in Education

Brief interactions, for example, by identifying tobacco users, giving direct advice, supportive material and follow-up, all have a significant impact on the patients’ use of tobacco products.
The FDI urges all oral health institutions and all continuing education providers to integrate tobacco-related subjects into their programmes.

Protect Children

The adverse consequences of environmental tobacco smoke are particularly severe for children - and life long.

The FDI strongly endorses and promotes public and professional education and policies, that prevent and/or reduce the exposure to tobacco smoke for infants, children and young people.

Prevent Initiation

More than eighty percent of adults who use tobacco, started their use of tobacco before the age of eighteen. Use of tobacco among children and youths easily produces a nicotine dependency, the risk of which is vastly underestimated by young people.

The FDI vigorously supports all measures that endeavour to prevent the initiation of tobacco use by young people and dissuade initiation by adults.

 

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FDI Tobacco Statement - 44K