It is a common knowledge that smoking is dangerous to your health, most especially on your mouth, teeth and gums. And it is not only oral cancer that you have to think of. There are various oral conditions that can be caused by smoking such as mouth sores, gum disease and tooth decay. That is why it is imperative for you to quit smoking.
Yes, it is hard, at most times, impossible to just quit smoking. But as this trite, but very much true, adage goes “If there is a will there is always a way…” That is why the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research came up with 9 things that you can do to help you quit smoking today and they are as follows.
1. Prepare yourself to quit smoking. Develop a mental attitude that says you are ready to quit, you are willing to do anything to quit and most of all, you really, really, really want to quit.
The best way to convince yourself 100% of this fact is to write the reasons why you want to quit. It can be due to health reasons, some hygiene reasons, protecting your loved ones or for self control and self improvement, it doesn’t matter what as long as this list will be able to motivate you to quit.
2. Set your quitting day date. Don’t rush yourself and make this day TODAY. It can be tomorrow or next week or at most, next month. Make this a big deal date, something you have to prepare for. And while you are waiting for the arrival of this big day, cut your nicotine intake. If you smoke 1 pack a day, aim to reduce it until you only smoke 1 cigarette a day.
Remember – be sure not to stress yourself out for this quitting date.
3. Don’t be alone on this. You will need to surround yourself with people who support you on this decision. These people can be your significant other, family and/or friends. And if you know someone who wants to quit smoking, you can quit with him or her too. Your dentist can also help you with this decision.
4. Substitute is a good idea. If you find yourself craving for a cigarette, you can substitute it for something else, like candies or sunflower seeds. Go and ask your dentist or doctor about patches or nicotine gums to help ease the process of quitting smoking. If you feel you want to smoke, call a friend, do some exercise or deep breath and wait the craving out. The objective is to distract your mind from smoking. Make sure you don’t substitute food for a cigarette. Try to avoid foods with sugar and fat, if you have to , then choose healthy options.
5. Know yourself. You have to identify what triggers you to smoke. Find the patterns when and how you smoke so you can prevent yourself from doing it.
6. Develop a reward system for yourself. When you have already stopped smoking, you can pat yourself on the shoulder and treat yourself for a job well done.
7. Stay active and create a new habit or change your daily routine. Exercise will do wonders for you.
8. Take notice and enjoy the benefits you experience from not smoking like the clean smell of your clothes, the cleanliness and freshness of your room, the freshness of your breath and of course, the extra cash you add up to your budget.
9. And finally, you have to keep proper oral hygiene with brushing and flossing, and keep up with your regular dental
visits with your dentist. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to get your teeth cleaned professionally to remove all the stains that have built up from smoking. You will love the clean feeling you will have in your mouth. If desired, you can even get a teeth whitening done to have that beautiful white smile that’s worth a million dollars!
If you are planning on quitting smoking, we will support you and we will even help you with the reward! Just call us and let us know that you are planning on quitting and we will be happy to give you a great deal on cleaning your teeth, as well as oral cancer screening test and even teeth whitening. Call our office if you are serious at (323) 771-7254
By Ladan Zinati
sunil
November 28, 2012I is a good teach for every body because it injured to the every part of boady
Elijah
November 28, 2012Stopping smoking is really one of the hardest task do achieve if you were once a chronic smoker. But if Stopping it is what can save you from all those health risk then its worth a try.
admin
November 29, 2012Hi Elijah. I definitely agree that it is very difficult to stop smoking especially if you are a chronic smoker. But it is definitely worth it to stop.
philip
December 9, 2012Yes smoking is dangerous and this article is very relevant. I agree that one has to set a time line when attempting to quit.
J.S.Jackson
December 10, 2012These are actually good tips to quit smoking, but like all smokers know, it’s not that easy to do. You really have to want to stop and surrounding yourself with other non-smokers and people who are also trying to quit I think is very important.
admin
December 11, 2012Absolutely J.S.
luan
December 10, 2012It’s good . I have smoking for a long time but do not how to stop until I read this article. I’m hoping I can do it if follow this way
Lyn Collins
December 10, 2012My husband have really been struggling to quit on smoking and we only worry most of the time on the effects on his respiratory system. We almost forgot that smoking can largely affect our teeth too, and yes yellowing of the teeth is one of its effect. I am going to let him read this as a motivation.
admin
December 11, 2012Hi Lyn. If I can be a motivation to you an your husband, I have done my job.
Bob Smith
December 11, 2012I have been having such a hard time quitting smoking. These tips are so helpful and motivating!
admin
December 15, 2012Good Bob. I am happy to have been able to help and motivate you!
Kyaw Htet
December 11, 2012it is really support for me because i am trying to quick smoking. last year, i tried one time but i could not quick. Now i will try again and follow your mention.
admin
December 15, 2012Kyaw, I am glad that I can be a part in you trying to quit smoking. You CAN do it!
aseal tom
December 11, 2012These are actually good tips to quit smoking, but like all smokers know, it’s not that easy to do. You really have to want to stop and surrounding yourself with other non-smokers and people who are also trying to quit I think is very important.
admin
December 15, 2012Aseal, yes you are definitely correct.
Mike Gerke
December 12, 2012I’m 51 yrs old and have been smoking for twelve years, ever since I quit chewing tobacco. It’s a nasty habit but hard to quit. Steps 1 and 2 appeal to me. Setting a date to start is a great idea. Also, I go over the reasons to quit in my head but if I write them down and read them everyday, I think that will have more of an impact. My teeth are shot though and I need some dentures or implants. Would like to stop smoking before that so I don’t stain the new teeth. Thanks for the info.
admin
December 15, 2012Mike, you are very welcome and I hope I can be a part in your decision to quit smoking:)
Jack Foster
January 5, 2013Information very useful. I think:”One reason people smoke is that the nicotine helps them relax. Once you quit, you’ll need another way to cope with stress. Try getting regular massages, listening to relaxing music, or learning yoga or tai chi. If possible, avoid stressful situations during the first few weeks after you stop smoking.”
admin
January 6, 2013Jack, I agree and thank you for your feedback.
Jen
January 6, 2013As a smoker wanting to quit, tip #1 is the most important. You have to completely want to quit, or you’ll fail every time.
Aslam Ali
January 7, 2013Some time i smoke so i can understand that smoking is dangerous for my health.I have read this article carrefully & realise that 9 tips could be very helpful for relife of somking.
tahera nolan
February 16, 2013I have worked for 4 years hard in order to quit smoking. This more of a mental thing than anything else.
Helen M.
February 20, 2013I quit smoking October 3 and it has been one of the hardest things to do. In the beginning I felt like i had to do something with my hands at all times so I would eat snack type foods to help with that. Those nine steps right there are how I am getting through with this although I could always be exercising a little more often. ;)
admin
February 22, 2013Hi Helen. Good job in quitting. Keep up the good work, it pays off!
Ronwood
March 12, 2013I have come across a lot of site where they tell you WHY you should stop smoking but very few provide the tips HOW to stop it.
The Tip Number 3 stands out among the rest. As a former smoker person the right crowd will help to find the strength to kick the habit.
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