When you hear people talk about smoking, it’s common to think about the impact on your heart and lungs, but smoking is also very harmful for your teeth and gums. If you’re thinking about quitting smoking, here are 3 reasons why giving up is good for your teeth:
- Bad breath: smoking is one of the most common causes of persistent bad breath (halitosis). Cigarettes contain a host of toxic chemicals and the odour lingers in the mouth for hours.
- Staining: cigarettes contain many dangerous chemicals, including tar, which stains and discolours the teeth, causing the enamel to become yellow or brown. Discoloured teeth tend to look unhealthy and they can make your smile look less attractive.
- Oral cancer: smoking is a leading risk factor for oral cancer. Oral cancer affects the soft tissue in your mouth. You’re particularly vulnerable to mouth cancer if you smoke and drink. Giving up smoking will reduce your risk of developing oral cancer, as well as countless other forms of cancer.
If you’re keen to give up smoking, we are here to help. We understand that it’s not easy to quit, and we can use tried and tested methods, in addition to providing you with information, support and encouragement to help you quit. Give us a call today if you’d like to find out more.
