Frequently Asked Questions

Smoking

Date Posted: 12/1/2001

Question Can I protect my mouth if I smoke?

Answer No. However, there are two things that a smoker should do to help protect his or her oral health. 1. Arrange to have a regular half yearly check-up with a dentist. 2. Give up smoking. If smoking is stopped in time it is often possible to maintain a healthy mouth and keep the teeth for a lifetime. In 3-5 years after stopping smoking the chance of getting oral cancer is halved and gets less and less with time. The Quit program from the Anti-Cancer Council gives excellent advice on how to help you give up smoking (www.quit.org.au).

More questions in this category:

Can I protect my mouth if I smoke?
Does smoking affect the teeth, gums or mouth?
Does smoking always lead to gum disease?
Does smoking lead to oral cancer?
Does smoking make the teeth loose?
Does smoking stain the teeth?
How will a smoker know if their gums are being damaged?