Oral surgeons are unfortunately all-too-aware of the link between cancer and cigarettes. Smoking is cited in 30% of cancer deaths in the U.S., which includes lung, lip, mouth, esophageal, and larynx cancers, among many others. The best defense against oral cancers is to never start smoking in the first place, but if you’re ready to break the habit, here are a few tips to consider. 

What Can You Do to Stop Smoking?

1. Manage Stress Properly

Stress is a huge trigger for people who smoke. Managing daily stress is key to preventing cravings and creating healthy coping mechanisms. Yoga and meditation are both ideal ways to reduce stress. Join a class or do poses and deep breathing on your own from the comfort of home.

2. Have a Support System

Surround yourself with people you can talk to when you feel like smoking. This could be friends and family that have quit in the past, who will offer moral support to keep you going. Additionally, see a dentist or oral surgeon regularly to check the health of your mouth and teeth as you try to quit. 

3. Consider Medication

Nicotine gum, patches, and prescription medications can help you stop smoking. Let your primary care physician know you want to quit so you can discuss the options that are suitable for you. 

4. Motivate Yourself

Think of rewards you can give yourself for reaching certain milestones. For instance, take the money you’d normally spend on cigarettes and save it up for a vacation once you reach a year without smoking. 

5. Learn From the Past

Maybe you’ve tried quitting in the past only to take up smoking once again. Think about those times and what you could do differently to increase your chance of success. For instance, if quitting cold turkey didn’t work, consider nicotine gum or another method to wean yourself off nicotine. 

The compassionate oral surgeons at Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska want you to understand your cancer risk so you can take the proper steps to stay healthy. Along with oral pathology, they also perform bone grafts, dental implants, extractions, jaw surgery, and treat facial trauma. Learn more about securing the assistance of a trusted oral surgeon in Anchorage by calling (907) 561-1430. To explore more of their treatment options, visit them online.