Smoking Cessation Support in North York at Sovrle Dental Clinic
Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your overall health, and especially for your oral health. The journey to becoming smoke-free can be challenging, but you don't have to go through it alone.
At Sovrle Dental Clinic, we are here to provide you with support and guidance to help you successfully quit smoking and improve your oral and general health.
What Is Smoking Cessation Therapy?
Smoking cessation support focuses on empowering you with the tools, strategies, and personalized guidance needed to overcome nicotine addiction and stop smoking. It’s about understanding the impact of smoking on your oral health, mitigating risks, and supporting you through the quitting process for a healthier future.
Smoking cessation support at Sovrle Dental Clinic includes:
Assessing the impact of smoking on your oral health.
Providing education on the benefits of quitting and the risks of continued smoking.
Offering resources and benefit programs to help you quit.
Types of Treatment Options
Quitting smoking offers significant health benefits, regardless of how long you've smoked. If you're looking to quit, there are many options that can help. In order to choose the right option for you, you will need to consult with a pharmacist, family doctor, or nurse practitioner to determine the most suitable treatment option for your individual needs.
Here are examples of treatment options that might be available:
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) helps individuals quit smoking by delivering controlled, smaller doses of nicotine to the body, thereby avoiding the harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke.
When used in conjunction with a behavioural program, NRTs have been shown to significantly increase the success rate of smoking cessation. NRT products are available in both over-the-counter and prescription forms.
Over-the-Counter NRTs (approved for individuals 18 and older):
Skin patches (transdermal nicotine patches): These patches are applied directly to the skin and provide a steady release of nicotine throughout the day, helping to reduce baseline cravings.
Chewing gum (nicotine gum): This gum must be chewed according to specific instructions directed by the label or medical professional to be effective, allowing nicotine to be absorbed through the lining of the mouth. It can be used to manage sudden cravings.
Lozenges (nicotine lozenges): These products dissolve in the mouth, releasing nicotine that is absorbed through the oral mucosa. They are also useful for addressing immediate cravings.
Prescription Medications for Smoking Cessation Products That Contain Nicotine:
Nicotine smoking cessation spray: This fast-acting nasal spray delivers a quick dose of nicotine through your nose. Because nicotine is absorbed rapidly through the nasal lining, it provides very quick relief from intense cravings, often within minutes. It is generally recommended for individuals who experience frequent and strong cravings.
Nicotine smoking cessation inhaler: This device consists of a mouthpiece and a replaceable nicotine cartridge. When you puff on the inhaler, it delivers a fine mist of nicotine vapor that is absorbed in the mouth and throat. This method offers the dual benefit of providing nicotine to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and mimicking the hand-to-mouth action of smoking, which can help address the behavioral aspects of the addiction.
It is important to note that a nicotine smoking cessation inhaler is NOT the same as a nicotine vapourizer (vape).
Prescription Medications for Smoking Cessation That Do Not Contain Nicotine
There are also FDA-approved smoking cessation medications that do not contain nicotine and are available by prescription only in tablet form:
Champix and Chantix for smoking cessation (Varenicline tartrate): This medication works by targeting nicotine receptors in the brain. It helps to reduce the pleasure associated with smoking and also lessens withdrawal symptoms.
Bupropion for smoking cessation (Bupropion hydrochloride): This medication affects brain chemicals (like dopamine) that are involved in nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It can help reduce the urge to smoke and alleviate some of the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, such as irritability and difficulty concentrating.
Both varenicline and bupropion have been evaluated by Health Canada, which determined that their benefits outweigh their risks. However, due to their potential side effects and interactions, both varenicline and bupropion require a prescription from a physician.
Other Smoking Cessation Therapies
Laser Smoking Cessation
Laser smoking cessation, also known as laser acupuncture or low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is an alternative therapy offered in Canada that aims to help individuals quit smoking by stimulating specific points on the body with a low-power laser. This method is based on the premise that applying a cold laser to certain "acupuncture points" (commonly on the ears, hands, and face) can stimulate the body's natural release of endorphins.
Proponents suggest that this release helps to reduce nicotine cravings, ease withdrawal symptoms like irritability and anxiety, and promote a sense of calm, thereby facilitating the quitting process.
Does Laser Smoking Cessation Work?
While many Canadian clinics offer laser smoking cessation and report high success rates, it's important to understand its regulatory and scientific standing in Canada. Health Canada has approved some Class 3B and 4 low-level laser devices for general therapeutic uses like pain control, inflammation, and increasing blood flow. However, this approval does not specifically extend to their efficacy as a smoking cessation aid.
The Evidence
Scientific evidence for laser smoking cessation is still limited and inconclusive, with many major health organizations in Canada and globally stating that there isn't enough robust research to definitively support its effectiveness compared to conventional, evidence-based methods.
Therefore, while often presented as a drug-free and painless option, individuals considering this therapy should discuss it with their healthcare provider to weigh it against Health Canada-approved and scientifically proven smoking cessation treatments.
Talking to Your Primary Healthcare Provider Is Crucial
To determine the most appropriate course of treatment and which smoking cessation products are best suited for you, it is essential to consult with your primary physician. They will consider factors such as your age, pregnancy or breastfeeding status, and medical history (including conditions like heart disease, diabetes, depression, asthma, or high blood pressure).
As always, at Sovrle Dental Clinic we are happy to connect you with a provider to help you quit smoking.
Benefits of Smoking Cessation
General Health Benefits
Here’s a timeline of how your body begins to recover after quitting smoking:
20 minutes: Your heart rate and blood pressure drop.
12 hours: The carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.
2 to 12 weeks: Your circulation improves and your lung function increases.
1 to 9 months: Coughing and shortness of breath decrease.
1 year: Your risk of coronary heart disease is about half that of a smoker’s.
5 to 10 years: Your risk of some cancers decreases greatly.
Oral Health Benefits
Smoking cessation also provides the following oral health benefits:
Reduce Your Risk of Oral Diseases: Quitting significantly lowers your risk of developing gum disease, cavities, and oral cancer.
Improves Oral Healing: Your mouth will heal more effectively after dental procedures (like dental implants), and your overall oral health will improve.
Creates Fresher Breath and Whiter Teeth: Quitting leads to cosmetic improvements, including fresher breath and reduced tooth staining.
Creates Better Overall Health: Beyond oral health, quitting smoking drastically reduces your risk of heart disease, lung cancer, and many other serious health conditions.
Improved Oral Appearance: We can show you the visual results of quitting smoking within four to six weeks.
When Should You Seek Smoking Cessation Support?
You may benefit from smoking cessation support if any of the following apply to you:
If you are a smoker and are considering quitting.
If you have been diagnosed with smoking-related oral health issues.
If you want to improve your overall health and well-being.
If you have tried to quit before and need additional support.
Frequently Asked Questions About Smoking Cessation
Can my dentist really help me quit smoking?
Yes, dentists are often the first healthcare professionals to notice the effects of smoking on your oral health and we can provide valuable support and resources for quitting.
What if I've tried to quit before and failed?
Quitting smoking often takes multiple attempts. We are here to help you learn from past experiences and help you try to quit smoking again.
Will my oral health improve quickly after quitting smoking?
You can start seeing improvements in your gum health, reduced staining, and better healing within weeks to months of quitting.
What is smoking cessation cough?
The "smoking cessation cough," sometimes called "quitter's flu" is a common symptom experienced by many individuals shortly after they stop smoking.
While it might seem counterintuitive to cough more when you've quit, this cough is actually a positive sign that your body is beginning to heal and repair itself. When you smoke, the cilia (tiny, hair-like structures lining your airways) become paralyzed and covered in tar and other chemicals. Their job is to sweep mucus and debris out of your lungs. Once you quit smoking, these cilia start to regain their function and become active again. As they begin to work properly, they dislodge and clear out the accumulated tar, mucus, and toxins from your lungs and airways.
This clearing process often results in an increased cough, which can sometimes be accompanied by phlegm or mucus. The cough is typically most noticeable in the first few weeks to months after quitting and usually subsides as your lungs continue to heal.
Are there any Ontario smoking cessation programs?
Yes, Ontario offers a variety of smoking cessation programs and resources designed to support individuals at different stages of their quit journey. These programs often combine counselling with access to nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) or prescription medications, as this combined approach has been shown to significantly increase success rates.
Key resources and programs available in Ontario include:
Smokers' Helpline: A free, confidential service offered by the Canadian Cancer Society, providing support via phone (1-877-513-5333), text messaging (text "iQuit" to 123456), and online resources at SmokersHelpline.ca. They offer personalized quit plans, quit coaching, and an online community.
STOP on the Net Program (through CAMH): The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) offers STOP on the Net, an online program for eligible Ontario residents (18+) that provides free nicotine replacement therapy (patches and gum/lozenges) mailed directly to their homes, along with counselling support.
Health811 (formerly Telehealth Ontario): You can call Health811 (by dialing 811, or 1-866-797-0000 TTY: 1-866-797-0007) for free, confidential telephone-based smoking cessation support 24/7.
Healthcare Providers: Your family doctor, nurse practitioner, or pharmacist can provide specialized advice, prescribe medications (like varenicline or bupropion), and offer counselling. Many pharmacists in Ontario are also able to provide counselling and support for quitting smoking, sometimes with coverage by the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program if you are eligible.
The Ottawa Model for Smoking Cessation (OMSC) Community Program: While originating from the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, the OMSC program extends its reach across Ontario, providing integrated smoking cessation treatment and support to patients.
Targeted Programs: There are also specialized programs, such as "Talk Tobacco" for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, which offer culturally specific support, and initiatives like "Quash," a judgment-free app designed to help youth (14-19) quit smoking or vaping.
At Sovrle Dental Clinic, we are always happy to help you navigate these resources, and to support your health.
Smoking Cessation Tools
Ontario.ca: Support to quit smoking
Canadian Government: Tools for a smoke-free life
More Resources To Help Support You
American Cancer Society: How to quit smoking or smokeless tobacco
American Heart Association: Information and resources for quitting smoking
American Lung Association: Information on how to quit smoking, including top tips
Truth Initiative: BecomeAnEX, a free, online plan to help you quit smoking
FDA 101: Smoking Cessation Products: How FDA-approved medicines can help you quit smoking
YouCanQuit2: A quit-smoking support website for military personnel and their families, sponsored by the Department of Defense
Talk to us about Smoking Cessation
Take the vital step towards a healthier, smoke-free future for your smile and your body. For expert smoking cessation support in North York, contact Sovrle Dental Clinic today. Experience compassionate care and empower yourself to quit smoking for good!
