5 Ways to Quit Smoking in the New Year

By Kate Ranta on Dec 28, 2017 @ 10:14 AM

The ball has dropped, and many of us have made our New Year’s resolutions. If you’re a smoker, you may have made the resolution to quit smoking many times before…only to light up again.

While smoking can impact your overall health, it can also harm your teeth and oral health. Discoloration and bad breath aside, smoking also leads to an increased risk for other dental complications:

The build-up of plaque and tartar on the teeth
Bone loss in the jaw
Leukoplakia (white patches inside the mouth)
Gum disease, which causes tooth loss
Developing oral cancer

Want to keep your resolution to quit smoking in the New Year? It’s more than just quitting cold turkey. To be successful, you’ll need a plan. Here are five steps to START your stop smoking plan from the National Cancer Institute:

S = Set a quit date.

Choose a date that’s a couple of weeks out. This will give you a goal and enough time to prepare but isn’t so far away that you lose your motivation.

T = Tell family, friends, and co-workers that you plan to quit.

You will need the support of friends and family when you quit, so let them know. They will help hold you accountable in your efforts to quit. If a friend or family member also wants to quit, consider teaming up. You can boost each other up in difficult times.

A = Anticipate challenges you'll face while quitting.

Most people who begin smoking again do so within the first 3 months. Nicotine withdrawal and cigarette cravings are common reasons. Preparing for challenges such as these can increase your success in getting through them. A fallback is not a failure. It's all a journey.

R = Remove cigarettes and other tobacco products from your home, car, and purse, etc.

Throw away all of your cigarettes, lighters, ashtrays, and matches. It’s also a good idea to wash all your clothes and freshen up your house and car to remove the cigarette smell, which can tempt you.

T = Talk with your doctor about getting help to quit.

Your doctor can offer advice on how to quit or even prescribe medication to help with withdrawal. There are also over-the-counter products you can purchase at your local pharmacy, such as the nicotine patch, nicotine lozenges, and nicotine gum.

These are all important steps to take, but to be on top of your oral health, don't miss your dental checkup or regular cleanings.