Review Article Nicotiana Tabacum - Current Scenario of Tobacco

This is a review paper which briefly updates the current scenario of tobacco in India. The statistical status and the mandatory tobacco control measures are the highlights of this paper which have been briefly discussed. At present, tobacco smoking is causing over 3 million deaths a year worldwide, and if current smoking trends continue, the annual mortality will exceed 10 million by around 2030. In India 65% of men and 33% of women use tobacco Every day, more than 3,800 persons younger than 18 years of age smoke their first cigarette. To increase the awareness among the people about the ill effects of tobacco, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MHFW), GOI, has launched the National tobacco control programme. Conducting public health awareness programmes, educating and training the health professionals and incorporating anti tobacco lectures in the curriculum will have a nationwide impact on tobacco cessation. Dentists should be motivated to participate in cessation activities and impart counselling to patients in their routine practice. The oral health institutions should also encourage, including anti- tobacco related subjects in the curriculum so that it provides professional skills as counsellor to the dentist.