Quit smoking and smile - National Smile Month 2018

National Smile Month 2018 runs from 14th May to 14th June 2018, and aims to encourage everyone to look after their oral hygiene. Smoking can dull your smile, so quit today and get your twinkle back. 

Smoking doesn't just affect your general health, your oral health suffers too. If you smoke, you are at a greater risk of developing conditions such as gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss. The more you smoke and the longer you are a smoker, the higher your risk becomes. 

How smoking affects your smile: 

• Lowers your mouth's defences which allows bacteria to grow
• Promotes growth of plaque and tartar, eroding the enamel on your teeth's surfaces causing tooth decay
• Creates uncontrollable discolouring of the teeth 
• Causes bad breath
• Causes inflammation of the salivary glands
• Massively increases the risk of developing gum disease

Approximately 90% of people with cancer of the mouth, tongue, lips, and throat use or have used tobacco. The risk of developing these cancers significantly increase with the amount of tobacco smoked.

People that smoke are six times more likely than non-smokers to develop oral cancers.

Quitting smoking can help you become proud of your smile. Once you quit, your breath will smell fresher, your teeth will stop staining, your oral health will greatly improve and your sense of taste will improve too. Visiting a dentist regularly ensures any problems are recognised and treated early. 

Yorkshire Smokefree can give you a reason to smile. We've helped thousands of people quit so far and you could be next. Start your quit journey today by calling us on 0800 612 0011 (free from landlines) or 0330 660 1166 (free from most mobiles). 

Find out more about the National Smile Month campaign by visiting the official website.