This year’s No Smoking Day fell on Thursday 8th March, will you be one of the thousands of smokers who take the leap and stop smoking for good. You will be able to feel the benefits of stopping smoking from day one.
It is not only about saving money. You will also drastically improve your overall health and reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer.
Smoking and your oral health
Most people are unaware that smoking can have a detrimental effect on your mouth, teeth and gums. Smoking can lead to tooth staining, gum disease, tooth loss and in severe cases mouth cancer.
- Tooth Staining – staining on your teeth is due to the nicotine and tar in the tobacco. Your teeth may appear yellow in a very short time and after years of smoking can turn almost brown.
- Gum Disease – smoking increase the levels of plaque in your mouth, which can lead to gum disease. Smoking also prevents infected gums from healing, due to a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults in the UK.
- Mouth Cancer – mouth cancer is one of the few cancers that is set to rise in the coming year and smoking is a major risk factor for developing the disease.
Quitting Smoking
Quitting is the best thing you will ever do. 
- For you
You could save around £1,700.00 a year
Your sense of taste will return
Your breathing and general fitness will improve
You’ll be more confident
- For family and friends
You will protect those around you by not exposing them to second hand smoke 
You will reduce the chances of your children suffering from bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma attacks, meningitis and ear infections
For information and help on quitting sign up on the NHS Smokefree website and take the leap and quit for good.
Concerned about your oral health? Call West Wickham Dental Practice today on 0208 776 1188 to book a consultation with our dentist or hygienist who will be able to give you help and advice on taking the best possible care for your teeth. They will also be able to scale and polish teeth, removing staining caused by smoking.