At Kings Dental Clinic, we are committed to the highest standards in dental care, which is why we pay great attention to patient education. The habit of smoking generally gets a bad rap for its negative effects on physical health, but these dangers extend to include the oral cavity and dental health. But despite these warnings, smoking is still enjoyed by many in the UK. According to the public health charity, Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), there are approximately 6.9 million adults in the UK who smoke cigarettes.

As part of our commitment to excellent quality care and in the interests of the dental health of our patients who are smokers, we include counselling patients on the benefits of smoking cessation Hammersmith as part of their dental rehabilitation treatment plan. As dentists, we are best placed to recognise and diagnose troubling symptoms in the mouth impacted by smoking and advise patients about suitable treatments to treat these issues.

Patients must be open and honest with us about their smoking habits. We urge smokers to talk to us about their complete history of tobacco use, including how often they smoke and how many cigarettes they smoke in a day; this information will help us map out the most suitable treatment plan for their needs. We can also help guide you in finding services geared to helping you quit your smoking habit.

Why should smoking cessation Hammersmith be the focus of all dental professionals?

Why smoking is bad for your oral health

There are well-documented links between tobacco use and the increased risk of a large number of dental health problems. Dental conditions resulting from smoking include:

• Stained teeth
• Hardened dental plaque
• Bad breath
• Dry mouth
• Periodontal diseases
• Shrinking gums
• Slow wound recovery
• Oral cancers
• Impaired sense of hearing and taste

The worry for patients who have progressed to advanced stages of gum disease is that this disease heightens the risk of life-reducing medical conditions such as heart and lung disease.

The good news for patients who are smokers is that the undesirable effects of smoking tobacco products can be reversed once they have begun their smoking cessation Hammersmith programme.

Quitting smoking will help improve overall dental health as well as your heart and lung health.

Smokers who have indulged in the habit for a long time may feel quite anxious about giving it up. Smoking is also a notoriously tough habit to quit, but quitting smoking is worth the effort for the positive impact it will have on overall health and well-being.

Tips on how to quit smoking

Consulting with a trusted dentist on the best way forward is a good idea. As dental practitioners, we are aware of the best services offering smoking cessation help and guidance.

Stay focused and committed to your smoking cessation plan. Look at your list of reasons to remind yourself of the dangers of smoking for your health.

Be aware of environmental triggers that make you want to smoke. Have a plan in place to help you hold off against these influences.

If you are concerned about the effects of smoking on your teeth and gums, please schedule a consultation with our experienced dentist at Kings Dental Clinic.