NAPERVILLE — It’s never too early to talk with your kids about the dangers of tobacco, especially given the explosive growth of vaping. February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, a great time to address the issue.
Here’s why there’s reason for concern: The use of e-cigarettes among Illinois high schoolers increased by 45% between 2016 and 2018. About 28% of U.S. youth have used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days, according to a survey the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released in September.
Tobacco products – including e-cigarettes – can increase the risk of cavities, gum disease, tooth loss, oral cancer and even death. Tobacco use often starts in high school. In Illinois, about 4,800 teenagers a year will start smoking daily.
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