According to digital spy the 26th most common new year’s resolution is to give up tobacco. While it seems further down on the list than you would expect, this can be attributed to the amount of UK smokers. Action on Smoking estimate that 1/6th of people in the UK smoke (2015). That’s over 10 million of us. A scary figure given the widely known health implications however, ASH say that 2 out of 3 regular smokers desire to quit their habit!
‘According to the British dental association smokers are nearly three times more likely than non-smokers to suffer from gum disease. Repeated use can lead to substantial staining as well as increase healing time if you pick up an infection’
However it’s not easy tackling an addiction, so, here are a few tips to get you started on the road to good oral health and going smoke free for 2016 and beyond.
Get informed
Arming yourself with the facts can be both shocking and eye opening, from those images on packets to smoking related deaths in the UK, reminding yourself of the cost of your addiction can keep you focused. The NHS has the following article which you may find helpful:
Get support
Safety in numbers and a friend in need! If more than one person in your household is a smoker, it’s a good idea to work together this year. Quitting and working as a team can remove temptation and keep your home clear of products, as well as being a great source of encouragement. You may also consider getting in touch with your local stop smoking service, some counties offer home visits and priority support is offered to pregnant women and their families.
Change routine
For many, smoking is as much about habit as addiction to nicotine, adjusting your routine can eliminate the reminders. For example, if you normally have a smoke after your morning coffee, try a new routine. Take your daily rituals and mix them up. If you associate a cigarette with a work break, try staying in the building or swap times to avoid your usual triggers.
Prevention
Here at Paul Lowe dentistry we believe that Prevention is always better than cure and as such we offer regular checkups with our friendly dentists and hygienists. We can offer advice and tips on how your diet and lifestyle might be affecting your oral health, as well as a range of preventative treatments. Check out the link above for further information or why not give us a call on 0121 711 2424 for advice and support.
Remember
One relapse is not a failure; don’t quit quitting if you make a mistake. Celebrate every success and look forward to being smoke free.