Care Chemist Supports World Smokefree Day

Care Chemist Supports World Smokefree Day With Campaign to Highlight Link Between Smoking and Poor Oral Health

Care Chemist, New Zealand’s fastest growing community pharmacy group, has launched a ‘Save Your Smile’ campaign, in partnership with national dental network Lumino The Dentists, to focus attention on the link between smoking and poor oral health.

As part of the smoking cessation campaign, Care Chemist customers will be able to take vouchers printed in this month’s Care Chemist brochure to a participating Lumino The Dentists practice. In return, they will receive a free gum health check and a 10% discount on any subsequent treatments completed within three months.

The initiative which will run throughout May has been organised to tie in with World Smokefree Day which is celebrated on Monday, 31st May.

‘We all know that smoking is bad for your overall health but less people are aware that cigarettes can have a significant impact on their smile,’ explains Care Chemist CEO, Nicolette McDonald. ‘Research has shown that oral cancer, bad breath, stained teeth, bone loss, facial wrinkling and gum recession can all be unfortunate side effects of smoking. Recent studies have also shown that tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development progression of periodontal disease.’

‘Tooth loss is another consequence which can have an enormous impact on a person’s self confidence and appearance,’ adds Nicolette. ‘According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States, only about 20% of people over age 65 who have never smoked are toothless, while a whopping 41.3% of daily smokers over 65 are toothless.’

Care Chemist will also be using specially designed prescription bags during May that carry the smoking cessation message as part of their support of World Smokefree Day. The message highlights the importance of being a good role model and emphasises how children who see a parent smoking are more likely to pick up the habit.

Individuals wishing to stop smoking are encouraged to talk to their local Care Chemist, who will be able to give them advice on natural remedies and over the counter products to aid in their recovery.

For more information on Care Chemist, visit www.carechemist.co.nz

ENDS

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