Smoking


Fact:


One out of two lifelong smokers will die from a smoking related disease earlier than they otherwise would have.


Effects of Smoking in the Oral Cavity:


  • periodontal (gum) disease – smoking is one of the major factors that cause gum disease
  • bad breath (halitosis)
  • stained teeth and tongue (also hairy tongue)
  • increased build-up of plaque and tartar on your teeth
  • dulled sense of taste and smell
  • slow healing after a tooth extraction or other surgery, due to reduced blood flow to the mouth
  • difficulties in correcting cosmetic dental problems
  • oral candidiasis (thrush)
  • NUG Necrotising Ulcerative Gingivitis
  • smokers’ keratosis
  • smoker’s melanosis
  • pre-malignant leukoplakia (white patches that can develop into cancer) is more common in smokers, but often reverses if the person stops smoking.
  • oral cancer – most people know that smoking can cause lung and throat cancer, but many people still don’t know that it is one of the main causes of mouth cancer too. Every year thousands of people die from mouth cancer brought on by smoking. If combined with alcohol consumption, the risk is significantly increased.
  • Also, if you are a smoker who got dental implants, you have an increased risk of implant failure. Check out here


Quitting


The nicotine in cigarettes is an extremely addictive substance and, because of this, breaking a smoking habit isn’t easy. However, quitting smoking will be an important step in improving your oral and overall health.


Mark Twain is remembered to have said that: “giving up smoking is very easy, I’ve done it lots of times!”However, if you want to quit permanently, HSE has a very good program to help you. Check it out here


Other therapies / aids available:


    • information – understanding the seriousness of the issue
    • motivational interviewing
    • acupuncture and hypnosis
    • the Allen Carr Method
    • technology – phone apps


What are the benefits of giving up smoking?


  • your breath will smell fresher
  • you won’t get any further cigarette related staining of your teeth
  • the health of your body and mouth should start to greatly improve
  • your sense of smell and taste will greatly improve
  • your breathing should become easier
  • it reduces the risk of fatal diseases
  • it reduces the risk for others, caused by second hand (passive) smoking
  • financial savings


Looking for more inspiration to quit? Check out tips from former smokers Check out here.