The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has launched its third installment of its anti-smoking ad campaign called Tips From Former Smokers, in which people describe the devastating medical consequences that they suffered as a result of smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke. Felicita Soto, 54, an Orlando mother of four, is among the honest spokespeople who hope that sharing her physical and emotional damage will inspire smokers to quit before their health is also compromised.

“I started smoking at age 12 because I wanted to look cool,” explained Felicita, an unfortunate misconception that is still common among today’s youth. Fast forward 33 years… On a nightly basis, Felicita awoke to a bloody mouth and would soon begin losing her teeth and showing signs of severe gum disease. She didn’t realize that smoking was to blame for the dramatic transformation of her once beautiful smile. She sought dental treatment and learned that her oral health was ruined beyond repair.

“The dentist said that, throughout the years, the cigarette (smoke) was eating my gums and the bones of my teeth. And it was something that I never realized.” Only in her mid-40s at the time, Felicita went through the “torturous” process of having all of her diseased teeth removed. Today, she continues to deal with pain and is limited to a diet of soft foods.

The CDC cites that smokers are three times more likely to have gum disease than nonsmokers and, in severe cases, smoking can cause teeth to fall out. Smoking-related health conditions also include asthma, Buerger’s disease (affecting blood vessels in the arms and legs), cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and other illnesses.

When Felicita saw that the CDC was seeking testimonial support in an effort to motivate others to quit smoking, she felt compiled to speak out. “I was embarrassed about the way my mouth looked and didn’t smile often, but I wanted to help others who maybe, like me, didn’t know the possible side effects of smoking.” In my opinion, Felicita has displayed remarkable bravery in publicly sharing her painful journey and allowing the cameras to roll as she removed her uncomfortable false teeth… with the sole, selfless goal of inspiring strangers.

Felicita admits that her youngest son, Carmelo, “thinks that she is a hero” for using her struggles to empower others. And I couldn’t agree more! The personal stories and graphic images of this campaign are difficult to watch, but that’s the point. There are harsh realities associated with smoking and secondhand smoke. So, watch the Tips From Former Smokers videos with your tweens and teens so they understand that smoking is NOT cool.