It’s also never too late to stop! Whether you have been smoking for 5 years or 50, putting down the lighter will benefit your body straightaway. Government resources demonstrate exactly what advantages you will experience from just 20 minutes after smoking your last cigarette!
A timeline of health benefits
It doesn’t take long for the health benefits to kick in!
20 minutes after smoking
Heart rate returns to normal
8 hours after smoking
Oxygen levels are recovering and carbon dioxide in your body has halved
48 hours after smoking
All carbon monoxide is out your system, your lungs are clearing mucus and your senses of taste and smell are improving
72 hours after smoking
Breathing feels easier and energy levels are increasing
2-12 weeks after smoking
Blood flow is improved to your heart and muscles
3-9 months after smoking
Your lungs are having to work 10% less, so you’re coughing and wheezing less too
1 year after smoking
Your risk of heart attack has halved
10 years after smoking
Your risk of death from lung cancer has halved
15 years after smoking
Your risk of heart attack is the same as a never-smoker!
Another reason to smile
In addition to enhancing heart, lung and general body health, smoking cessation does wonders for your oral health too. These include:
Top tips for a successful Stoptober
Stopping smoking is no easy feat. It takes will-power, determination and support. But it is possible – for everyone! Here are some options to try that could make the process that little bit more achievable for you:
You can also always speak to your local Rodericks Dental Partners practice team for advice or support on improving your oral health. They can discuss options to treat tooth staining, giving you a whiter, brighter smile that will help motivate you to stay away from the cigarettes. They can also offer cessation advice or signpost you to more useful resources. Find your local Rodericks Dental Partners practice here.