Smokers less likely to visit Dentist

Smokers are less likely to seek dental care than nonsmokers, even though they are more susceptible to oral disease, new research shows.

Researchers drew their conclusions from data gathered in a 2000 government health care survey of more than 15,000 Americans.

"We found that 33 percent of current smokers reported having at least one dental visit that year compared to 45 percent of nonsmokers," said lead author Susan K. Drilea, whose study was sponsored by the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This occurs even though smokers face increased risk of gum disease, tooth loss and oral cancers, she said.

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