Dentists back No Smoking Day
22nd February 2012
Although most adults will know that smoking is bad for their overall health, many are unaware of the damage it can do to their teeth and mouth.
So as No Smoking Day approaches, dentists are being encouraged to help their patients give up smoking by advising them on the harmful effects tobacco can have on their oral health.
By chewing or smoking tobacco products, smokers put themselves at greater risk of dental problems such as gum disease and tooth decay, which can result in the need for dental restoration treatments further down the line.
"Smoking presents a very real danger to the public's oral and overall health," said British Dental Health Foundation's chief executive Dr Nigel Carter.
"Dentists find themselves in a unique position to warn patients of the risks of smoking, which causes tooth staining and exacerbates gum disease - which has been linked to diabetes, heart disease, strokes and premature and low birth-weight babies."
Taking place on March 14th, No Smoking Day will be promoting the 'take a leap' slogan, urging smokers to put out their cigarettes on leap year day - February 29th.
Dentists are being urged to hand out leaflets and display posters offering support and advice on how and why to quit tobacco.
Adults who have smoked in the past and are left feeling self-conscious over their appearance due to teeth stains or premature tooth loss can now fix up their smile using cosmetic dentistry treatments such as dental implants and tooth whitening.
However, while a dental specialist can help you with the cosmetic effects of tobacco on your teeth, smoking can also lead to more serious oral health issues.
"Tobacco is also linked to around three-quarters of all cases of mouth cancer," Dr Carter added.
"Placed on top of all the health concerns surrounding smoking, these risks stress the importance of campaigns such as No Smoking Day, and the Foundation wholeheartedly supports the campaign."
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