Tobacco use in any form has a devastating effect on oral tissues. The most common one affecting males in the country is oral cancer-cancer of oral mucosa, cheeks, tongue, floor of the mouth and jaw bones. Oral cancer outnumbers even lung cancer. Oral and lung cancers can be considered as children of a common parent. Children have a tendency to imitate the superhero in films and sports. So our heroes should abstain from using tobacco on screen. The statutory warning on cigarettes and other tobacco products seems silly just as the advertisement tends to evoke laughter. Better modalities of education depicting the horrific aftermath of tobacco abuse, such as removing jaw bones, would help convey the message.
Goals of World No Tobacco Day campaign
Encourage countries to include tobacco control in national responses to 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
Support member States and civil society to combat tobacco industry interference in political processes, in turn leading to stronger national tobacco control action
Demonstrate how individuals can contribute to making a sustainable, tobacco-free world, either by committing to never taking up tobacco products, or by quitting the habit.
Tobacco control can break the cycle of poverty, contribute to ending hunger, promote sustainable agriculture and economic growth, and combat climate change.
We can hope for a brighter tobacco free smile in our coming generations. We can pass on a smoke free environment.
(Author is Junior Resident in the Department of Periodontics, Government Dental College Thiruvananthapuram)
