Smoking, like many bad habits, is hard to quit. It’s no wonder companies like Nicorette turned the struggles of millions into a multi-million dollar industry. No matter how you shake the habit, it is detrimental to your oral and total body health.

Why Should I Quit Smoking?

Smokers are at risk for gum disease, tooth loss, tooth staining, and even mouth cancer.

The problem is the inhalation of nicotine into the body.

When nicotine enters the body through the mouth, the nicotine and tar from the tobacco makes your teeth yellow in a short period of time. Heavy smokers can even accumulate so much staining that their teeth turn brown.

Those who smoke are more likely to produce bacterial plaque, which is what leads to gum disease. When gums lack oxygen in the bloodstream, gums become affected and infected gums cannot heal. 

While smoking can lead to other cancers such as in the lung or throat, it can also cause mouth cancer too. Thousands die from mouth cancer as a result of mouth cancer every year.

What Methods Can I Use to Quit?

Diet

Smoking is considered an oral fixation. Many experts suggest replacing the urge to put a cigarette in your mouth with munching on healthy snacks. Eating crunchy foods like carrots, apples and celery throughout the day can substitute smoking and the need to have something in your mouth. Sugar-free gum and fresh fruit popsicles can also provide a distraction.

Additionally, limes alkalize the acidic tissues in a smoker’s (or ex-smoker’s) body and boost your immunity, which may have been weakened by smoking, and can help you stop smoking.

Exercise

As a proponent of total body health, we encourage our patients to commit to nutritious diet and a regular schedule of exercise. It replenishes the body, reduces boredom, causes you to sweat out nicotine and relieves depression.

Vitamins

Multi-vitamins containing Vitamins A, C, and E repair your body and supply essential nutrients needed to expel toxins like nicotine. They reenergize your system and give you the strength to fight withdrawals.

Medications

Although holistic methods are ideal for total body health, smokers who find themselves unable to kick their habit should speak with their general physician about prescription medications.

Farber Center Can Help

Regular visits with our periodontists will keep your gums and teeth in check. We can monitor your treatments to ensure you take preventative measures against disease. And if your gums and teeth show signs of disease from smoking or other factors, we can help you choose the proper treatment.

Visit FarberCenter.com for more information.