Helping You Understand the Dangers
Surprising as it may sound, many smokers need to be made more aware of the dangers of tobacco use. In fact, just 29 percent of smokers say they believe themselves to be at an above-average risk for heart attack compared with their nonsmoking peers, according to a study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association in March of 1999.
Obviously, while information about the medical problems associated with smoking – such as lung disease, cancer, heart disease and low-birth-weight infants – is widely available, many smokers seem to have tuned out.
Nicotine and its toxins have the potential to destroy the Gum and surrounding tissues at a much faster rate. It narrows the blood vessels that supply the Gingiva with all its nutrients and fighting cells therefore increasing the risk of periodontal disease . Smokers have greater plaque accumulation and increased (6:1) tooth loss.
Right NOW is Time to Quit!!!
A combination works best.
- Set a quit date.
- Get support.
- Take medicine.
Get Ready
Get Help
+ Get Medicine
Stay Quit!
Get Ready
Set a quit date.
No smoking after: _____________________
Change the things around you.
- Get rid of all cigarettes and ashtrays in your home, car, and place of work.
- Do not let people smoke in your home.
After you quit, don't smoke—not even a puff! Don't use any tobacco!
Internet Citation:
Help for Smokers and Other Tobacco Users. Consumer Guide, May 2008. U.S. Public Health Service. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. http://www.ahrq.gov/consumer/tobacco/helpsmokers.htm
Get Medicine
You can buy nicotine gum, the nicotine patch, or the nicotine lozenge at a drug store.
You can ask your pharmacist for more information.
Ask your doctor about other medicines that can help you.
- Nicotine nasal spray
- Nicotine inhaler
- Bupropion SR (pill)
- Varenicline (pill)
Most health insurance will pay for these medicines.
Get Help
Tell your family, friends, and people you work with that you are going to quit. Ask for their support.
Talk to your doctor, nurse, or other health care worker. They can help you quit.
Call 1-800-QUIT NOW (784-8669) to be connected to the quitline in your State.
It's free. They will set up a quit plan with you.
Stay Quit
If you "slip" and smoke or chew tobacco, don't give up. Try again soon. Set a new quit date to get back on track.
Avoid alcohol.
Avoid being around smoking.
Eat healthy food and get exercise.
Keep a positive attitude. You can do it!
You Can Quit
Most people try several times before they quit for good. Quitting is hard, but— You Can Quit