Ten benefits of stopping smoking - Part 2
3. Whiter teeth
Depending on how long you've been smoking, you'll probably notice that your teeth have become stained from the nicotine and tar content of cigarettes.
While they may never return completely to their original pearly-white look without cosmetic help, your teeth's colour won't get any worse. If you want to try to improve the colour of your teeth cosmetically, talk to your dentist for advice.
The other benefit is a reduced likelihood of gum disease. Smoking makes it harder for saliva to get rid of the germs in your mouth, leading to infection and tooth loss.
- Find out what other negative effects smoking has on your teeth and mouth
4. A fatter wallet
If you smoke 20 cigarettes a day then, at current prices, by stopping smoking your bank balance will benefit by around £2,000 after just 12 months.
That's an impressive figure in anyone's eyes, but think of it as the price of a two-week tropical holiday, or lots and lots of pairs of shoes... don't tell us you aren't tempted now!
Next: Why having a baby is easier when you don't smoke
More help and advice
- Get tips and advice on stopping smoking
- Read Emma's story of how she managed to quit smoking
- Could your teenager be smoking?
- Get the facts on pregnancy and smoking
- Get more help on quitting from the NHS
By Rob Mansfield
