National No Smoking Day – March 11th
As well as the lighter evenings and some more warmth (definitely feels like spring is nearly here!), March brings with it National No Smoking Day.
Taking place next Wednesday (11th), it’s a moment in the year that encourages smokers to stop and think about their health.
Whether you’re ready to stop, thinking about it, or have tried before and found it difficult, the day provides an opportunity to make a positive change.
Smoking and your oral health
Chances are you know that smoking affects the lungs, heart and other organs, but it also has a significant impact on your mouth:
· Smoking increases the risk of gum disease, which remains the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
· It is also linked to mouth cancer, persistent bad breath and staining of the teeth.
· Smoking can also reduce blood flow to the gums. This means gum disease may progress without the usual warning signs, such as bleeding gums, which makes regular dental check-ups particularly important.
That’s the bad news. The good news is that when someone stops smoking, improvements begin quickly.
Oxygen levels in the blood improve within 24 hours.
Over time, gums are able to heal more effectively, breath becomes fresher and the risk of gum disease progressing begins to reduce.
Dental treatments are also more successful once someone has stopped smoking, and over the longer term the risk of mouth cancer and tooth loss falls significantly.
Ready to stop? Help is here…
If you’re considering quitting, you’re not alone. Many people try several times before they finally stop for good, and that is completely normal.
At Brightside Dental we regularly see both the effects smoking can have on oral health and the positive changes that happen when patients decide to stop.
If you are thinking about quitting and would like advice on protecting your gums or improving your oral health, we are always happy to help.
You can also access free support through:
Better Health – Quit Smoking – https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/
Smokefree National Helpline – 0300 123 1044
Your GP or local pharmacy can also help you access NHS stop-smoking services.
And if you would like to speak with the team about your oral health or book a check-up, give us a call on 020 8888 4401 or book an appointment here: https://onlineappointment.carestack.uk/?dn=brightside&ln=1#/home
Ketan
