Do not smoke

Besides causing serious damages to general health, smoking also has adverse effects on oral health.

Consequences of smoking on oral health

  • May cause bad breath.
  • Stains your teeth easily.

  • Increases the chance of getting gum disease

    According to different studies, the chance of developing gum disease of smokers can be up to five times or more likely higher than that of non-smokers.

  • May worsen your gum disease

    The nicotine in the cigarettes can reduce body resistance and can jeopardize the healing potential of oral tissues. These worsen the condition of gum disease.

  • Increases the chance of getting oral cancer.

Ways to refuse smoking

  • Tell your friends that you don't like to smoke.
  • Refuse cigarettes offered by others. Learn to say "NO".
  • Insist on choosing "Non-smoking Areas" no matter where you are.
  • Turn your office into a "Smoke-free Work place".
  • Encourage your family and friends to quit smoking. Refuse second-hand smoking.
  • Maintain a healthy life-style by having a balanced diet and exercising regularly to release stress.

Ways to quit smoking

Discover motives

List out reasons for quitting as motives. For example, quitting smoking can:

  • Save money.
  • Make you look smart.
  • Make boy/girl friend adore you even more.

Make plans

Change habits that will trigger your urge to smoke. Make a plan that will help you quit smoking. At the initial stage of quitting, you may try chewing sugarless gums instead of smoking.

Persist to the end

You need to be determined and persistent that you will not be affected by cigarettes again.

Seek help

Should you need help and assistance, please browse the website of “The Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health“ or dial 1833 183 for the Integrated Smoking Cessation Hotline of Department of Health.