Waterpipe smoking is associated with gum disease, oral cancer, esophogeal cancer, dry sockets, lung cancer, and heart disease. Waterpipe smoking began 400 years ago in ancient India. It has become popular today in Hookah cafes and with students of college age.
Today up to 34% of 13-15-year-olds have tried it, and up to 20% of college students have also smoked a waterpipe according to studies. These sessions last much longer than smoking a cigarette, increasing the toxic effect.
“Whether you are smoking a cigarette, a cigar, or tobacco from a waterpipe, smoking is dangerous not only to your oral health but to your overall health,” says JADA Editor Michael J. Glick, D.M.D.
The World Health organization has stated that one waterpipe session is like smoking 100 cigarettes. If you have specific questions or would like to join others in this year’s Great American Smokeout, please call our office today.