A good number of the 13 million smokers in the UK will have made a New Year’s resolution to quit smoking. Only 5% of these however will succeed.  

Not only is smoking bad for your health, it is also bad for your teeth in many ways:

·        Teeth become discoloured

·        Halitosis (bad breath) is common

·        Smell and taste can be affected

·        It contributes to gum disease

·        The risk of contracting oral cancer is up to ten times higher  

Tobacco smoke contains thousands of different chemicals that are released as particles and gases. Some of these chemicals are known to be irritants and about 60 have been shown to cause cancer. Having stopped smoking for ten years, the risk of oral cancer has reduced to the level of a non smoker.  

These risks have resulted in dentists becoming more actively involved in helping patients to stop smoking. Few can stop on their own without some form of help, though willpower is essential regardless of the method. Dentists are able to work with your doctor to help you to choose the most suitable treatment, provide supplementary information and ensure regular check ups for oral diseases.

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