Population considerations
- Population characteristics. Athletes are often heavy users of smokeless tobacco. In addition, males living in rural areas, American Indians, and military personnel are common smokeless tobacco users.
Strategies to address these considerations
- Problems associated with using smokeless tobacco are easily detected during an oral examination, giving dentists and hygienists an excellent opportunity to talk to their patients about tobacco use during a routine visit.
- Cessation interventions targeting athletes that use smokeless tobacco may be especially effective if held outside of a dental office and in an athletic facility.
- Athletes who use smokeless tobacco can be counseled regarding the social norms around using the substance; specific techniques can help athletes chart the times they dip during the day and gradually decrease those instances.