Your smile’s better off with SUPPORT

Written By: Mark Armstrong

Provided By: Liverpool Community Health

Liverpool Community Health (LCH) NHS Trust’s Stop Smoking Service (SUPPORT) is currently holding a special event to highlight the link between smoking and oral health as part of National Smile Month.

Taking place between Monday May 18 and Thursday June 18, National Smile Month raises awareness of how smoking related health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and strokes can be linked with poor oral health.

The Sefton SUPPORT team will be hosting an event on Thursday May 21, outside the Strand Shopping Centre in Bootle from 10.30-14.30 encouraging people to say goodbye to cigarettes - including e-cigarettes – as a way of bringing a smile to their face.

For those who can’t make it on the day you can always attend any of their FREE local clinics. Just call 0300 100 1000 for your nearest venue.

Colette Kearney, Team Lead for SUPPORT at Liverpool Community Health, explained: “Having a nice smile is important for people but smoking can have a devastating effect as it stains teeth, causes bad breath and is a major cause of gum disease leading to tooth loss.

“It is estimated that 90% of oral cancers are linked to tobacco use. The good news is that stopping smoking reduces this risk. Anybody who wants to stop smoking or start cutting down on the number of cigarettes they smoke is four times more likely to succeed by coming to any of our clinics.

“Our friendly nurses and advisors will be on hand to offer support and advice on the best ways to cut out cigarettes. We will also be giving out free toothbrushes to encourage people to think about their oral health.”

If you are experiencing oral health problems or would like further advice about your teeth, please contact your local Dentist.

For more information on National Smile Month, visit www.smilemonth.org, and for more information on the Stop Smoking Service, visit www.healthysefton.nhs.uk.