The year seems to be slipping away were almost through October already;

October highlights Stoptober the NHS 28 day stop smoking challenge! Well done if you have managed to avoid a cigarette

Have you noticed a change in your mood? What have been the highs and lows?
Estimation shows the cost of smoking to the NHS ranges from £2.7 to £5.2 billion a year, imagine the improvements they could make to NHS services by using these funds elsewhere

• Cigarette smokers die 10 years younger than non-smokers (Ash, 2014).
• After a short period of time these are the health benefits:

72 hours Breathing becomes easier. Bronchial tubes begin to relax and energy levels increase.

1 month Skin appearance improves, owing to improved skin perfusion.

3-9 months Cough, wheezing, and breathing problems improve and lung function increases by up to 10%.

1 year Risk of a heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker.

10 years Risk of lung cancer falls to about half that of a smoker.

15 years Risk of heart attack falls to the same level that it would be for someone who has never smoked.

So what about your dental health?

You may notice changes to the taste of your regular foods that’s because your taste buds are working to their abilities and not overpowered by the cigarette contents

Gums bleeding on brushing? don’t worry your gums will now be getting oxygen continue to brush and use inter-dental brushes. The bleeding will eventually stop and your gums will become firmer.

Still worried your dentist and/or hygienist can offer guidance and advice
What’s your advice to other’s thinking of stopping smoking?

Improve your dental and medical health and your bank balance…who wouldn’t want that 🙂

References:
www.ash.org.uk
www.patient.co.uk/health/smoking-the-facts