World No Tobacco Day 2021 in Bondi: Commit to Quit!
World No Tobacco Day – 31 May 2021 – aims to support people in their attempt to give up tobacco through various initiatives and digital solutions.
Smoking cessation can be very challenging, especially with the added social and economic stress that has come, but there are a lot of reasons to quit.
Here are the top 5 effects of smoking on oral health:
#1 Gum Disease
Without proper treatment, your gums and the tissues around your teeth can become irritated and recede away from the teeth.
The bacteria in plaque is most often the culprit for infection.
Tobacco is a guilty party as smokers who smoke 1.5 packs per day are 6 times more likely to have gum disease than non-smokers.
Smoking limits blood vessel growth, which slows the healing process for damaged gums.
Fortunately, smokers that quit can return their risk of gum disease to that of a non-smoker in about 11 years.
#2 Oral Cancer
Over 28 cancer-causing chemicals are found in smokeless tobacco.
Chewing tobacco and using other tobacco products can cause cancer in the cheeks, gums, and lips.
#3 Delayed Healing Process
Smoking slows down blood flow throughout your oral cavity and thus, delays the healing process.
Because of this, simple dental procedures become more complicated:
- Dental implants would have a higher chance to fail
- Tooth extraction site would be more prone to infection
- Gum disease treatment would be less effective
#4 Stained and Discoloured Teeth
The biggest causes of teeth stains are food (coffee, red wine, etc.) and tobacco. In moderation, the first is fine. Tobacco, however, is not.
Nicotine and tar found in cigarettes are doing the staining — from your hands and walls in your home to your teeth.
#5 Bad Breath or Halitosis
Habitual smoking can leave a residual tobacco smell, but bacteria build-up can also cause bad breath or halitosis.
Stop Smoking Today!
Consult your Bondi dentist to create a quitting plan that’s best for you and your oral health.
FREE Consultation
Call your Bondi dentist on (02) 9365 7187 or visit us at 134 Curlewis St. in Bondi Beach.