Created by the member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1987, World No Tobacco Day is a global event that occurs on May 31st and encourages participants to stop using all tobacco products for 24 hours. If you are a smoker and have been considering kicking the habit, there is no better time to do it than this designated day.
Many interventions could help you stop smoking, including:
· Medicinal patches
· Nicotine gum
· Electronic cigarettes
· Counseling
· Hypnosis
Everything you do to cut down on cigarette usage benefits your overall health. You may notice you get less winded when doing strenuous activities, for example, but are also reducing your risk of chronic health problems like lung cancer. Many people also do not realize that smoking increases the risk of gum disease and can make existing symptoms worse.
Get Gum Problems Treated Promptly
Dr. Jean-Claude Kharmouche has worked as a periodontist for over 14 years. He continually updates his knowledge by attending seminars and is an excellent resource if you have existing gum issues or recently started experiencing problems.
In the early stages, you may just notice your gums bleed while brushing or flossing. If the gums are not also painful or swollen, you might just ignore the bleeding and hope it gets better without treatment. However, it is crucial to make an appointment for a professional assessment, especially because early intervention can improve outcomes, whether or not you have a history of smoking.
The Effect of Smoking on Gums
Smoking increases the likelihood of developing gum disease and can exacerbate diagnosed issues. Sometimes, smokers do not experience as much bleeding and redness during the early stages of periodontal problems, but that does not necessarily the issues are less severe. A thorough examination from a periodontist can eliminate uncertainties. World No Tobacco Day is an excellent reason to commit to quitting smoking. However, even if you are not at that stage yet, schedule an appointment with Dr. Kharmouche to have your gum disease risk evaluated.
