Introduction

Tobacco usage is a serious threat to the health of a population and thus cessation of tobacco use is an important step in improving patients’ quality of life. Cessation activities are essential also for middle aged and older people. Dental personnel have a unique role as they treat patients who might not otherwise have regular contact with general medical practitioners.

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with smoking cessation in a cohort of smokers as they progressed from 65 to 70 years of age.

Material and methods

The base population was all inhabitants born in 1942 in two Swedish counties who had been followed by postal questionnaires every fifth year since 1992. Data had been collected and accumulated at the individual level. In this study, the 533 self‐reported smokers in 2007 were selected and their smoking habits in 2012 were used as the outcome variable. Analyses used were bivariate associations and logistic regression.

Results

The total smoking‐cessation rate was 28%. The logistic regression had a Nagelkerke R2 of 0.32 and showed that remembering information on tobacco cessation given in the dental office increased the reported chances of quitting smoking (odds ratio = 10, 95% confidence interval: 3.2–31.7). Also associated with smoking cessation was increased incidence of reporting bleeding gums.

Conclusion

Information on smoking cessation given in dental clinics is effective for elderly people.