No Smoking Day
A new survey of 2000 smokers by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) has found that less than one in two (44 per cent) smokers in the UK are worried about the negative effects of smoking on their teeth, and only in one in four (27 per cent) are concerned about the effects of smoking on their gums.
Women smokers tend to be more concerned with the effects of smoking on their teeth, with just under half (49 per cent) listing their teeth as a concern, compared to just 38 per cent of men. Smokers in the 18-24 year age group are the most concerned about the effects of smoking on their oral health.
With smokers risking damaging their oral health due to their habit, the BHF is encouraging dentists to use this year’s No Smoking Day as an opportunity to raise awareness and boost participation among patients by promoting quit aids in their practice and local support services available in their area.
Mike Knapton, BHF associate medical director, said: “Action by dental teams to reduce tobacco use will help to improve dental treatment outcomes, promote oral and general health, and ultimately save lives.
“Dentists have always played a big role in raising awareness of No Smoking Day and the dangers of smoking. Dental clinics should consider promoting the event in their offices in the weeks leading up to No Smoking Day.
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