Smoking is more common in young adults London – Arab Today Hospital admissions related to smoking continue to increase in the UK, despite a fall in the number of smokers. According to news research, more than 1.6 million people were admitted to hospital, with smoking-related cancer making up more than 11 percent of the cases.
Figures released by the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC), showed that the number of young adults smoking was around five percent higher than the number of adults who smoke.
Aside from chronic illnesses, those who indulge in the habit face a variety of oral health problems including teeth staining, dental plaque, bad breath, tooth loss and gum disease.  There is a significant risk of developing life-threatening diseases such as mouth cancer and lung disease.
Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation Dr Nigel Carter said, “We have seen mouth cancer rates soar over the past 10 years by almost 50 per cent, and an increase in hospital admissions due to smoking shows this upward trend may continue for some time. Smoking and tobacco use is the leading cause of mouth cancer. Even though it is encouraging the see the number of smokers falling; one in five people is still a high percentage. To curb rising mouth cancer figures, this needs to improve. We know around two in three smokers actually want to quit, and the Mouth Cancer Action month campaign offers a perfect opportunity to do this.”
Dr Carter added, “\"As a result it is really important that everyone knows the warning signs for mouth cancer. They include ulcers which do not heal within three weeks, red and white patches in the mouth and unusual lumps or swellings in the mouth”.