Country wide Smoking Ban in India

The worlds largest ever smoking ban has comes in to play today(2nd October) in India which prohibits smoking in public places. This smoking ban has been the largest of its kind ever and marks the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi- much revered as the Father of the Nation.

The ban includes public places such as bars,restaurants,amusement parks, bus stands and any other public places. Those who want to smoke can do so in the vicinity of their homes. The president of the Public Health Foundation of India Dr K. Srinath Reddy asserts: “Implementation will take time, but passive smoking kills and people have a right not to subject their health to risk against their wishes.” Health experts however admit the likelihood of the rule being flouted widely.

It should be noted that apart from the enormous general health hazards smoking poses such as lung and throat cancer, it also has a detrimental impact on dental health.

Effects of Smoking on Dental Health

Briefly looking at the affect of smoking on oral health it :

1. Causes Bad breath (Smokers breath)
2. Causes Tooth Discoloration
3. Increases the build up of Plaque and Tartar
4. Causes the loss of bone within the jaw
5. Increases the likelihood of gum disease
6. Delays healing process such as following tooth extraction, periodontal treatment or oral surgery
7. Decreases the success of Dental Implants
8. Increases the chance of Oral Cancer

The smoking ban has been touted as the step in right direction. However ,skeptics question the success of such a rule in a country where there has been constant failure of similar rules.

Tagged as: effect of smoking dental health, smokers breath, smoking and oral health, smoking ban