Eighty-two percent of adults who ever smoked had their first cigarette by their 18th birthday. According to the Food and Drug Administration, each day nearly 3,000 American youth become regular smokers. If you want to become a healthy statistic, join the million of Americans who have quit smoking for good. You're probably familiar with the link between tobacco use, lung cancer and heart disease. But you may not know that tobacco can cause significant disease in your mouth.
Smokers have a much greater risk of developing oral cancer than nonsmokers.
The American Dental Association recommends a dozen ways to stop smoking on November 20 or any day - the sooner the better. Develop a list of your own personal reasons for quitting. Set a date to quit in the near future and stick to it. Join a smoking cessation program for support. Enlist the support of your dentist, physician, family, friends and co-workers.