World No Tobacco Day — May 31 This year's theme is "Commit to Quit!"
It's getting late, but I hope Setti has some advertising set to go for this. TAAT is the new method on the block. Maybe add a free pack offer to the WHO's kit....
Commit to Quit Tobacco!
World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) is observed around the world every year on May 31. It’s a celebration for people who have stopped using tobacco, an encouragement to those who want to quit, and a day to raise awareness of “the dangers of using tobacco, the business practices of tobacco companies, what the World Health Organization (WHO) is doing to fight against the use of tobacco, and what people around the world can do to claim their right to health and healthy living and to protect future generations.” This isn’t a new thing, but it has changed over the years. Back in 1987, the WHO's World Health Assembly designated April 7, 1988 as a "World No-Smoking Day.” The idea was to urge smokers to abstain from nicotine for just 24 hours, at which point they might just opt to quit altogether. A couple of years later, “No Smoking” day became “No Tobacco” day and moved to May 31. Each year, the event has a different tobacco-related quit theme, ranging from women, kids, sports, public spaces, sustainability, indoor air, and other concepts intended to educate people about tobacco use and its effects on health. The 2021 theme is “Commit to Quit.”
Tobacco and your oral health
According to WHO, tobacco use leads to more than 8 million deaths each year worldwide. And even if tobacco doesn’t kill you, it can make you – and the people around you – very sick. Tobacco use also impacts your oral health, as it is associated with reduced blood flow, increased oral bacteria and inflammation. That means that smokers are twice as likely to develop gum disease than non-smokers. And it takes longer for a smoker to recover from gum disease or oral surgery. It can also be more difficult to restore missing or damaged teeth, as the surrounding teeth and jawbone may have weakened from infection or decay and can’t support implants, bridges or dentures. How to quit tobacco?
Quitting is the only way to decrease your risk of oral health and other tobacco-related health problems. When you’re ready to quit, here are some options to make it easier: - Talk to your dentist or doctor about quitting tobacco, and the medical resources that can help you manage the withdrawal process.
- Explore the WHO’s Quit Kit, which includes a mobile app, support services, inspiration, shared experiences from others who have successfully quit, tips and other offerings.
- Focus on your overall health. Staying active and making healthy choices makes you feel better, supports your physical healing, and can distract you from nicotine cravings. See healthcare professionals, and create a newer, healthier life for yourself.
- See a dentist, get a cleaning and a checkup, and enjoy your brighter healthy smile!