You already know smoking harms your health. But have you thought about what it’s doing to your mouth?
This October, thousands of people across the UK are taking part in Stoptober - a 28-day challenge to quit smoking. If smokers can stop for 28 days, they are five times more likely to quit for good.
At Tempdent, we have an incredible team of clinical experts who deliver our dental apprenticeships and higher-level dental courses. To mark Stoptober, we asked them: “How does smoking affect your oral health?”
What smoking does to your mouth
Tooth staining
Tobacco causes deep, dark staining that is hard to remove. Over time, your teeth can turn yellow or brown, which can often lead to a decline in self-confidence and mental well-being.
Gum damage
Smoking reduces blood flow and weakens your immune system. This makes it harder to fight off gum disease. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss by damaging the tissue and bone holding teeth in place, but that’s not all. If left untreated, gum disease can raise your risk of serious health problems like heart disease, diabetes, lung conditions and some types of cancer.
It can also cause painful gum infections, shrinking gums, and a bad taste in your mouth.
Causes bad breath
Smoking dries out your mouth, which makes it easier for bacteria to grow. That build-up leads to bad breath that doesn’t go away easily and can knock your confidence.
Gum disease also plays a part. It can cause strong, unpleasant odours in your mouth that linger, even after brushing.
Slows healing
If you need a tooth removed or an implant fitted, smoking can slow down your recovery and increase the risk of complications.
Increased risk of mouth cancer
Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for oral cancer. That includes cancer of the lips, tongue, cheeks and throat.
Why quitting now could make a big difference
During Stoptober, there are many new and free tools and support available to help you quit. Take a look at the NHS Better Health – Quit smoking resources here, which include:
- A personalised quit plan
- The NHS Quit Smoking app
- Advice on nicotine replacement and vaping
- Local support services
Don’t forget, quitting smoking can lead to:
- Healthier gums
- Brighter teeth
- Fresher breath
- Lower risk of oral cancer
- Better results from dental treatments
Ready to quit?
If you’ve been thinking about quitting smoking, now’s the time. Your mouth will thank you - and so will your future self.
Take the first step today. Get started with Stoptober.
Want to help people quit smoking?
If you’re a dental professional, you’ve seen the damage smoking can do - stained teeth, gum disease, bad breath, and even oral cancer. You’re often the first to spot the signs, and sometimes the first person patients turn to for advice.
The Level 4 Oral Health Practitioner Apprenticeship gives you the skills to do more. You’ll learn how to deliver preventative care, support behaviour change, and educate people in the wider community about the impact of smoking on their oral health.
Whether you’re looking to grow your career or make a bigger difference in people’s lives, this apprenticeship helps you do both. It’s a fantastic step up for GDC qualified Dental Nurses looking to expand their scope of practice, and is a recognised pathway to Dental Hygienist training routes.
Click here to register your interest in the Oral Health Practitioner apprenticeship.
.png)
