Published at 20 March, 2020 08:23.
This World Oral Health Day is a time of celebration, promotion, pledging and inspiring others to do the same. At a time when the focus on health has never been more important, looking after your mouth and body plays a key factor in improving your wellbeing. The WOHD is celebrated globally every year on the 20th of March and is organised by the FDI World Dental Federation. It aims to demonstrate the importance of optimal oral health for children, teens, and adults worldwide. Using local experts and community cooperation to create awareness through events, posters, social media and open days big and small. Each year features a different theme, so it’s time to get involved and pledge to #UniteForMouthHealth.
Approximately half of the people in the world suffer from oral diseases that affect their daily lives and can be the main cause of tooth loss. Smoking can be a major cause of these statistics, with the habit leading to tooth staining, gum disease, tooth loss, and mouth cancer. Staining is the result of nicotine and tar, with heavy smokers complaining of quick and severe discoloration. People who smoke are more likely to be affected by bacterial plaque, the catalyst of more rapid forms of gum disease - the most common cause of tooth loss in adults worldwide.
There is also a clear link between smoking and various types of cancer including lung cancer, pancreatic and kidney, however, a less known well and much more prevalent killer of smokers is mouth cancer.
Reducing your risk of oral illness and death due to cigarettes and other tobacco products can be done in a variety of simple ways. Taking care of your teeth and gums by brushing twice a day, after breakfast and before bedtime, flossing and using mouthwash, as well as attending regular dental appointments.
One of the most effective and long-lasting ways to improve your oral health is to quit smoking. As soon as you stop smoking, you will feel the benefits within as little as 20 minutes. With a reduced risk of oral cancers, tooth loss, gum disease and better overall responses to gum treatments. You will also develop better taste buds, an improved sense of smell and increased lung capacity during physical activity.
World Oral Health Day is the perfect time to be kind to your mouth and quit smoking with Yorkshire Smokefree. We have a fully flexible service running one to one’s, support groups, pioneering online assistance and a dedicated telephone service to help keep you strong, with full access to our expert NHS advisors who will aid you in deciding the best way to start your full-stop journey and what's more, it’s completely free!
We offer a range of behavioral and guidance resources to suit you and ensure that you are smoke-free before you know it. Thousands of people just like you have succeeded in achieving a healthier lifestyle if you don’t believe us check out our inspiring Success Stories.
Make #UniteForMouthHealth 2020 count by embodying the change you, your family, local community and the wider world needs. You can get in touch with Yorkshire Smokefree to arrange a Callback Request today. Happy brushing!
