A new patient is a heavy smoker and has severe periodontitis. When asked if interested in quitting smoking in the next month, the patient replies, “I don’t smoke that much so it’s not a big deal”. What is the most appropriate strategy to encourage behaviour change?

Personalize the risk of continuing smoking to the patient’s oral health.

Ask the patient what would be the easiest first step to take toward quitting.

Explain the benefits of quitting smoking as soon as possible.

Encourage the patient to identify an alternate date to stop smoking.