Dental News - Organized Dentistry Coalition supports raising tobacco purchasing age to 21

Dental Tribune International

Thu. 20. June 2019

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WASHINGTON, U.S.: The Organized Dentistry Coalition (ODC), which encompasses the efforts of the American Dental Association (ADA) members, staff and supporters at the local, state and national level, has recently stated that it supports raising the legal age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21. The new legislation would help address poor oral health and oral diseases caused by smoking.

In a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senator Tim Kaine, the coalition praised the lawmakers for introducing the Tobacco-Free Youth Act. “As you know, this legislation would increase the legal age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21 years old and is critical in addressing our current youth tobacco epidemic,” the ODC wrote. “About nine out of ten people who die from oral and pharyngeal cancers use tobacco, and the risk of developing these cancers is related to how much (and how often) they use. On average, 40% of those with the disease will not survive more than five years. Tobacco products are also causally associated with higher rates of gum disease, periodontal disease, mucosal lesions, bone damage, tooth loss, jaw bone loss and more.”

In the letter, the coalition noted that the legislation would help prevent tobacco use among U.S. youth by raising the national age to legally purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21. Additionally, it would help reduce the number of young people who begin smoking before age 21, which represents 95% of current adult smokers, according to the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

“Moreover, the bill would apply to the more than 3.6 million middle and high school students who are e-cigarette users,” the ODC continued, citing the 2018 National Youth Tobacco Survey. “Research shows that young people who use e-cigarettes are more likely to transition to smoking cigarettes.”

All of the ADA’s advocacy efforts on tobacco can be followed at ada.org/tobacco.

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