Smoking Related Problems

Smoking-Related Oral Conditions

- Oral cancer

- Periodontal (gum) disease- a leading cause of tooth loss and of sensitivity to hot and cold

- Bad Breath

- Stained teeth and tongue

- Diminished sense of taste and smell

- Delayed healing following a tooth extraction or other oral surgery

- Difficulties in correcting cosmetic dental problems

- Build-up of tartar on the teeth

- Fewer options for some kinds of dental care (smokers can be poor candidates for particular treatments, such as implants)

A Dozen Ways To Stop Smoking

1 ) Develop a list of your own personal reasons for quitting.
2 ) Set a date to quit in the near future and stick to it.
3 ) Join a smoking cessation program for support.
4 ) Enlist the support of your dentist, physician, family, friends and co-workers.
5 ) Exercise. It may make you feel better about yourself and your decision to quit smoking.
6 ) Keep your mouth occupied! Sugarless gum may fend off an urge to smoke.
7 ) Choose a “low stress” time to quit, perhaps during a vacation.
8 ) Don’t carry matches or tobacco.
9 ) Quit the smoking habit all at once-cold turkey.
10) Try all available resources including audio and video tapes, books, pamphlets, tip sheets and other self help materials to successfully quit smoking.
11) Ask dentist or physician about prescribing a pharmaceutical aid, approved by the Food and Drug Administration, for use in smoking cessation programs.
12) Don’t let setbacks discourage you. Keep trying!

Make a Commitment to Stop Smoking and Stick with it.

Get help from loved ones, friends and co-workers when going through the quitting process. And don’t be lured back. Tobacco industry advertising and promotions encourage ex-users to relapse. Don’t buy a pack of cigarettes because you slipped up and had one or two.

Remind yourself the great benefits of quitting:

- You’ll reduce the risk of oral, lung and other cancers.
- You’ll taste and enjoy food-again
- You’ll feel more relaxed without nicotine.
- You won’t be plagued by “smoker’s breath.”
- Your family and friends will thank you.
- You can do it. Your dentist will advise you. Good luck!