DENTAL: Keep 'em clean, kids

We are wrapping up what Idaho’s governor has proclaimed “Children’s Dental Health Month.” Many of us in the dental community participated in our annual Give Kids a Smile program which offered free dental care to the underserved. We are doing what we can to help eradicate decay in kids’ mouths, because it is certainly known that a healthy start in oral health is critical to maintaining lifelong oral health.

Another severe threat to the health of our children’s teeth is tobacco. This year, 1,400 youngsters in Idaho will become new cigarette smokers. Smokeless tobacco has definite risks of leukoplakia, tooth decay and gingivitis. We will be doing our children a service if we increase the barrier for them to start these harmful habits. We will also save every one of us a lot of money if tobacco related health-care expenses are lowered. Every year in Idaho $319 million is spent on tobacco related health care, which breaks down to about $539 per household including tobacco users and non-users.

Idaho ranks among the lowest tobacco taxes in the country. Studies and experience show that higher taxes are one of the most effective ways to reduce tobacco use. Some of Idaho’s legislators are considering a bill this year to increase the tobacco tax and it needs more support to get a hearing. This action would help increase the barrier for young people to start using tobacco. The proposed legislation of increasing the tobacco tax would promote a healthier Idaho.

DR. THOMAS R. SMART, DDS

Trustee for the Idaho State Dental Association