Behavioral Support Intervention For Smokeless Tobacco Cessation At A Dental Setting

The prevalence of smokeless tobacco (SLT) use is predominant in India. It accounts for some of the highest rates of smokeless tobacco use and Oral cancer in the world. SLT is consumed by more than 350 million individuals worldwide; approximately 85% of users are concentrated in South and South-East Asia. In these low-resource settings where SLT is culturally ingrained, it remains cheap, widely available and poorly regulated. South and South-East Asian SLT products often contain stimulants and flavorings that enhance flavor and addictiveness. On the other hand, their preparation methods induce high levels of free nicotine, Tobacco Specific Nitrosamines and heavy metals. Due to their composition SLT products are highly addictive and toxic. More than 40 types of SLT like paan, paan masala, khaini, zarda, mawa, gutka and mishri and gudakhu are used in chewing, snuffing and applying in teeth and gums.

SLT cessation intervention-based research needs encouragement; Behavioral interventions have been proven to be an efficacious and feasible modality for tobacco cessation in all setting. Sensitization and imparting of training regarding the same use prevention and cessation-related programs need to be encouraged. Patients who visit the dental hospital may not be motivated to quit the habit of tobacco chewing. Tobacco smokers who receive intervention from oral health professionals in the dental office are more likely to quit. Nevertheless, due to the small number of trials evaluated, it is difficult to establish the most important component of the cessation intervention.