Health is the main reason smokers want to quit their habit

smokingHealth is the main reason Brits give up smoking, a study from the Oral Health Foundation has shown.

Around 66% of respondents who plan to give up their habit are doing so to improve their overall health.

That’s almost twice as many as those planning to quit due to the financial impact of smoking.

‘The number of people smoking in the UK continues to decline,’ Dr Nigel Carter OBE, chief executive of the Oral Health Foundation, says.

‘We are getting closer to becoming a smoke-free population.

‘Quitting smoking can be extremely difficult so the motivation for doing so must be strong.

‘Wanting to improve our own health is a positive and aspirational choice.

‘Little wonder why it is the driving force behind many of those who plan to stop smoking.’

UK smoking figures

About 350,000 people are planning on quitting smoking in 2019, the Oral Health Foundation reports.

The number of smokers in the UK has dropped by almost three million over the last 10 years.

Despite this, smoking is linked to almost 500,000 hospital admissions and nearly 80,000 deaths in England alone.

‘The risks of smoking are well documented, and the benefits of quitting are clear,’ adds Dr Carter.

‘As an oral health charity, we have seen first-hand the damage which smoking can do.

‘It is the leading cause of mouth cancer.

‘Smoking also increases the chance of gum disease, as well as tooth loss.

‘It can also turn our teeth yellow.

‘The bottom line is we will live longer, healthier lives without tobacco.’

Price jump

Tobacco prices have increased by more than 90% over the last 10 years, the foundation says.

This can result in a saving of around £250 every month on average for people that quit.

Around one in four (28%) of respondents say cost is their main reason for giving up.

‘Purchasing packs of cigarettes undoubtedly burns a sizeable hole in the nation’s pockets,’ Dr Carter concludes.

‘This extra income could instead be used to help us achieve better health.’


Related stories:

 

 

 

Favorite
Get the most out of your membership by subscribing to Dentistry CPD
  • Access 600+ hours of verified CPD courses
  • Includes all GDC recommended topics
  • Powerful CPD tracking tools included
Register for webinar
Share
Add to calendar