Risk of oral cancer

tooth staining

periodontal (gum disease)

Tooth decay/loss

bad breath

whitening of soft tissue in the mouth (keratosis)

poor healing after extractions/surgery

peer pressure

stress relief

social situations (an accessory with drinking)

curiosity

weight loss

more than 800 cases of oral cancer reported in Ireland every year

oral cancer is more common in men

Over HALF of older adults who live in care homes have tooth decay

18th of September is mouth cancer day in Ireland to raise awareness of the risks associated with smoking

Smokers are at a 10 times higher risk for oral cancer compared to non-smokers

national smokers quitline - 1800201203

quit.ie

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)

group support sessions

1 -1 support session

www.facebook.com/HSEquit

No Desire to Quit – The individual has no intention of stopping smoking.

Growing Concern – The smoker starts worrying about the health effects of smoking.

Planning to Quit – A strategy is being developed to stop smoking.

Quit Day – The individual takes action and stops smoking.

Staying Smoke-Free – Efforts are made to maintain a smoke-free lifestyle.

Relapse – Returning to smoking after a quit attemp

show empathy

don't put pressure on the patient to quit

recommend quitting resources such as NRT or helplines (quit.ie)

Educate the patient on the effects of smoking on their oral health

offer support and encouragement