News from your Dentists at Everton Park, Brisbane

... Smoking and your Oral Health

The dentists at Jorgensen Mutzelburg Dental have an active interest in staying up to date with the latest in technology, services and research. Check this page regularly for relevant and topical information on general interest dentistry matters and the latest in what's happening at Jorgensen Mutzelburg Dental.

Smoking cigarettes has long been known to be a factor in many health problems, leading to lung problems, poor circulation, increasing infections and complications with diabetes, premature aging, and cancer. The good news is that fewer people consider themselves smokers every day. As dentists, we see first hand the problems smoking causes to your health, and quality of life.

Smoking and Your Oral Health

Throughout life, proper dental hygiene is extremely important, and involves brushing, flossing and having regular visits to your dentist. Unfortunately, if you smoke tobacco, often these steps will not be enough to prevent premature tooth loss, periodontal or gum disease, leukoplakia, oral cancers or lung cancer. All people who smoke realise that they have bad breath and increased staining of their teeth; what they often do not realise is that smokers suffer greater rates of tooth decay, increased destruction of their teeth's supporting structures, loss of taste and poorer wound healing.

At Jorgensen Mutzelburg Dental, we will take a detailed smoking history, and carry out an oral cancer screening routinely with your complete dental examination. Our dentists will support and encourage you to take that step and make the decision to quit smoking. Nicotine is extremely addictive, so Quitting smoking is hard; fortunately, there are plenty of people available to help you along the way. Although you may not feel "healthier" for the first couple of weeks, the benefits of quitting start to be seen in your body within twenty-four hours.

I Want to Quit Smoking

I'm going to quit, but I'll do it....

• When my friends do
• Except when I go out to parties
• When I start a family
• In the New Year
• When my life is less stressful
• When it affects my health

Every cigarette you smoke is affecting your health, the time to QUIT is NOW.

How Can I Quit?

• Make the Decision - You have to want to quit smoking. Although you might make this decision for the benefit of the people you love as much as yourself, no one can do this for you. Write down your reasons so you can reflect on these every day as you're quitting. Your dentist will provide you with support, and direct you to other local health professionals in Brisbane if needed.
• Set a date to Quit. Mark it on the calendar. Stick to it.
• Throw out all cigarettes and any other smoking related items.
• Let the people around you know that you are planning to Quit. Their support is going to help.
• Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is a method where nicotine is delivered to your body through the use of another product such as chewing gum, or patches rather than by smoking. NRT decreases withdrawal symptoms and improves the length you can stay cigarette free. While not a guarantee to getting you cigarette free, the use of NRT doubles the chance of success.
• Medications - If you are serious about quitting smoking, however have struggled in your attempts so far, speak to your GP about other medications which may help. Zyban is a medication often used to break a nicotine dependence, however is not for everyone. Of course, the implications of continuing to smoke are much more debilitating.

If you are interested in improving your health, complete our online form or call (07) 3354 1077 and speak with Kathryn to arrange an appointment today and discuss how our caring dentists can help you.