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Make this the year you quit for good

Over a million people have now used Stoptober to help them quit smoking for good. In this blog, we look at some of the less known side effects of smoking on your oral health.

Most people know that smoking is bad for their health. However, many people do not realise the damage that smoking does to their mouth, teeth and gums. In the long-term smoking can cause tooth staining, gum disease, tooth loss and in severe cases mouth cancer.

  • Teeth Staining

The nicotine and tar present in cigarettes can cause your teeth to turn yellow very quickly and they can turn brown over a few years. This can affect both your appearance and confidence.

  • Gum Disease and Tooth Loss

Smoking increases the level of bacteria present in your plaque, which if not removed can lead to gum disease. Once gum disease develops, the lower levels of oxygen present in a smoker’s blood can prevent the gums from healing. Gum disease progresses more quickly in smokers, increasing the risk of tooth loos.

  • Mouth Cancer

Not only can smoking lead to lung and throat cancer, it is also one of the main causes of mouth cancer as well. Every year thousands of people die from mouth cancer brought on by smoking.

With all this in mind the team at Ringmer Dental have come up with their 5 top tips to help you quit

  1. 1. Set a date

Pick a date when you are going to stop and stick to it. Try to make sure that it is at a time when you are not trying to juggle too many other things. If it is a time of high stress you are much more likely to give in to temptation.

  1. 2. Think positive

This may be the first, second or tenth time you have tried to quit, but it doesn’t mean it can’t be the last. Build on the experiences from when you have tried to quit before, what caused you to fall off the wagon and what can you put in place to ensure that it doesn’t happen again.

  1. 3. Keep it simple

Do not attempt too much at once. A lot of people try to diet as well as quitting smoking, this is a recipe for disaster. Try to concentrate on one thing or the other, it may take a bit longer but you are far more likely to succeed.

  1. 4. Get Moving

Exercise can help to cut cravings and may help your brain to produce positive hormones making it easier to stay strong. This can be a good thing to do if you are used to having a cigarette after meals, go for a walk instead and create a new habit to curb the cravings.

  1. 5. Remember Why

Before you stop, make a list of all the reasons that you want to stop smoking. If you find that you are wavering or think you might have a relapse, get the list out and read it. This will help you to focus on the positives of not smoking until the craving has passed.

If you would like further information about quitting smoking or improving your oral health, call Ringmer Dental on 01273 813898 and book in for a consultation.