Stoptober: Take a Step Towards a Healthier Smile

This Stoptober, make your oral health a priority and take the first step towards quitting smoking.

October is Stoptober — the annual campaign encouraging people across the UK to stop smoking for 28 days and take positive steps towards a smoke-free future.

Whether you have been smoking for years or are considering quitting for the first time, Stoptober is a great opportunity to make a change. Stopping smoking can have a significant impact on your overall health, including the health of your teeth, gums and mouth.

Smoking and your oral health

Smoking affects much more than your lungs. Tobacco can have a harmful effect on your mouth, increasing the risk of gum disease, tooth loss, staining and oral cancer.

According to the Office for National Statistics, around 5.3 million adults in the UK smoked cigarettes in 2024, representing 10.6% of the adult population. Although smoking rates have fallen over the years, it remains an important public health concern.

Smoking is also a recognised risk factor for mouth cancer. Cancer Research UK estimates that around 17% of mouth cancers in the UK are caused by smoking. This is an important reminder of why quitting smoking and looking after your oral health matter.

The benefits of stopping smoking

Quitting smoking can make a real difference to your health. Some of the benefits for your mouth include:

• Healthier gums: Stopping smoking can help improve your gum health and reduce your risk of gum disease.
• A brighter smile: Tobacco can stain your teeth, so quitting can help prevent further staining.
• Fresher breath: Smoking can contribute to persistent bad breath.
• Reduced risk of oral cancer: Giving up smoking reduces your risk of developing mouth cancer over time.
• Better overall health: Stopping smoking reduces your risk of a range of serious illnesses, including heart disease and several types of cancer.

It is never too late to quit. Whatever your age or how long you have smoked, stopping can benefit your health.

How we can support you

We understand that giving up smoking can be challenging, and you do not have to do it alone.

As part of our commitment to your oral health, we have stop-smoking leaflets available at reception. Please feel free to ask a member of our team for a leaflet at your next visit. These provide helpful information to support you on your journey towards quitting.

You can also access free help and advice through the NHS and local stop-smoking services. Having the right support can make stopping smoking more manageable.

The importance of regular dental examinations and oral cancer checks

One of the most important ways we help protect your oral health is by carrying out an oral cancer check at every dental examination.

During your examination, we check the soft tissues of your mouth for any unusual changes or signs that may need further investigation. This includes looking at areas such as your tongue, cheeks, gums and the floor and roof of your mouth.

Oral cancer can affect anyone, but smoking is one of the recognised risk factors. Attending your dental appointments regularly gives us the opportunity to monitor your oral health and identify any changes that may require further assessment.

Please remember that a routine dental examination cannot prevent every case of oral cancer or guarantee that cancer will be detected. However, these checks are an important part of looking after your mouth.

Please do not wait until your next dental appointment if you notice something unusual. If you have a mouth ulcer lasting longer than three weeks, an unexplained lump, or a red or white patch in your mouth, arrange an appointment with your dentist or GP. These symptoms do not necessarily mean you have cancer, but they should be checked.

Make this Stoptober count

If you smoke, why not use Stoptober as an opportunity to take the first step towards quitting?

Ask us for a stop-smoking leaflet at reception, seek support if you need it, and make sure you attend your regular dental examinations. Looking after your mouth is an important part of looking after your overall health.

Your smile matters to us. Our team is here to support you in maintaining a healthy mouth, and we look forward to seeing you at your next appointment.

For more information about stopping smoking, visit the NHS Smokefree website or speak to a member of our dental team.

Sources: Office for National Statistics; Cancer Research UK; NHS.