Smoking Cessation
The purge against smoking has become a Public Health priority in recent years with bans in many public places, offering reduced opportunities for smokers. However, ‘where there is a will, there is a way’ and many smokers are simply not sufficiently deterred by the inconveniences imposed on them through these measures.
Fundamentally, smoking is a life-choice that is often made during youth, and whilst few people appreciate being preached at, most people will welcome the opportunity to gain more information from a respectable source on something that is, without doubt not only harmful, but undesirable.
The effects of smoking on ‘general health’ are well known and accepted, but very few smokers are aware of the harm being done within their mouths.
Once smokers do become aware, some may expect their Dentist to be able to offer information and support with regards to smoking cessation programmes.
Smoking is associated with the more obvious symptoms of bad breath, stained teeth and nicotine-stained lips. Less obvious is the massive impact of smoking on the progression of periodontal (gum) disease, which if not treated leads to loss of teeth.
However, continuation of smoking may make successful periodontal treatment difficult since in smokers, the healing response is slow and unpredictable due to restricted blood flow through the gums and bones.
Consequently, this also means that following tooth loss, modern tooth replacement options such as bone-retained dental implants are simply not an option for smokers.
Furthermore, smoking is linked to Oral Cancer, which is a terrifying and debilitating illness, and frequently occurs in those with a high alcohol intake – so double trouble!
Other ‘pre-cancerous’ conditions may occur in the mouth and Dentists are very well placed to examine, monitor and refer on promptly if necessary.
How can the dentist help with quitting smoking?
At our Practice in Windsor, smoking cessation (quitting) advice and support can take shape in many forms, from just a brief explanation to on-going counselling, with regular contact on an individual basis. We can refer for Hypnotherapy and even Acupuncture, which may work for some.
Addiction to nicotine is acute and it can take more than ‘will-power’, just putting on a few patches or chewing gum to totally kick the habit! Evidence shows that smokers are much more likely to stop for good if there is a good support network (professional or family), which also increases the success of taking prescription medications alone.
