What are the Benefits of Not Smoking Day by Day?

Smoking increases the risk of heart disease, cancer and strokes. Secondhand smoke increases these risks for non-smokers (according to Mayo Clinic). Quitting smoking is important for good health and quitting sooner than later greatly reduces these risks.

Psoriasis

• Daily smoking directly affects a person's risk of developing psoriasis (an inflammatory skin disease). Not only do you risk psoriasis by smoking 20 cigarettes per day, the risks increase with every cigarette smoked above 20 per day.

Taste and Smell

• Smoking interferes with a person's taste and smell. Smoking deadens the taste buds, causing food to be bland and deadens the receptors in the nasal epithelium causing a reduced sense of smell. Losing the sense of smell is dangerous as smell alerts a person to possible gas leaks or spoiled foods.

Dental Problems

• Regular smoking increases the risk of dental problems including gum disease and oral cancer. Smoking also compromises saliva flow, which protects from tooth decay and cleans the linings of the mouth and teeth.