World No Tobacco Day 2021 in Cheltenham: Commit to Quit!
World No Tobacco Day is an annual event that is observed on May 31st.
This yearly campaign aims to spread awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco on health.
The campaign also tries to reduce the prevalence of diseases and deaths due to the consumption of tobacco.
The theme of the World No Tobacco Day 2021 is “Commit to Quit.”
Here are the top 5 effects of smoking on oral health:
1. Periodontal Disease
Smoking affects the function of gum tissue, causing infections and restricting blood flow.
People who smoke less than ten cigarettes per day are two times more likely to develop periodontal disease, while heavier smoker can be four to five times more likely to develop gum disease.
2. Oral Cancer
The use of tobacco products is one of the strongest risk factors for head and neck cancers, including oral and oropharyngeal cancer.
The risk for these cancers is much higher in those who smoke than those who don’t.
Most people suffering from these cancers have a history of smoking or other tobacco exposure.
The more you smoke, the greater your risk.
3. Delayed Healing
Smoking slows down blood flow throughout your oral cavity and thus, delays the healing after oral surgery for dental implants, tooth removal or treatment of periodontal disease.
This makes the recovery process difficult.
When brushing or flossing, smokers’ gums bleed easily.
4. Stained Teeth
The biggest sources of teeth stains are food (coffee, red wine, etc.) and tobacco. The first is fine in moderation. Tobacco, however, is not.
Nicotine and tar found in cigarettes are doing the staining — from your hands and walls in your home to your pearly whites.
5. Bad Breath, or Halitosis
Tobacco products wreak havoc on your breath.
Not only do many tobacco products leave an odour on your breath, but they can also dry out your mouth.
Smokers are also more likely to develop periodontal disease, which can also add to halitosis.
Quit Smoking Today!
Consult your Cheltenham dentist to create a quitting plan that’s best for you and your oral health.
Contact us on (03) 9583 5506 or request your appointment online.
We are located at Suite C, 151 Centre Dandenong Road in Cheltenham.