Cigarettes and Your Teeth - How to Help Yourself if You Are a Smoker

Smoking has adverse effects on your health. When it comes to oral health, exposure to nicotine and tobacco leads to stained, yellow teeth, and bad breath. It affects your sense of taste and your immune system, putting you at risk for gum disease or even cancer. 

How to Prevent Discoloration of Teeth

The nicotine and tar present in tobacco smoke can make your teeth yellow and stained. It is important to brush your teeth twice a day to maintain a good appearance. It also safeguards your teeth from gum disease.

Also, choose toothpaste with these special ingredients to prevent discoloration:

• Hydrogen peroxide
• Coconut oil
• Turmeric
• Activated charcoal 
• Baking soda

Teeth whitening may also help for severe discolorations. OTC products or professional teeth whitening might be needed to remove the stains. These are only temporary solutions unless you quit smoking completely. 

How to Eliminate Smoker’s Breath

Smoker’s breath is another issue that people who smoke come across. To eliminate smoker’s breath:

• Increase fluid intake to prevent a dry mouth 
• Brush your teeth twice a day
• Floss at least once a day
• Use antibacterial mouthwash 
• Chew sugarless gum or suck peppermint
• Have regular dental appointments to clean the tartar and plaque buildup
• Quit smoking 

Are E-Cigarettes Better?

People think e-cigarettes are better as they do not contain tobacco. But the vapor contains nicotine that is harmful to your oral health. More than that, e-cigarettes contain other chemicals and heavy metals that are bad for your overall health.  

How Does Smoking Damage Your Teeth and Gums?

Smoking increases the chances of developing gum disease, also called periodontal disease. It is an infection that affects your gum line. When tartar and bacteria accumulate above or below the gums, it leads to inflammation, infection, and eventually, disease. And smokers are prone to have more tartar on their teeth.

Will Quitting Help Restore My Oral Health?

A lot of improvement can happen if you quit smoking, even if you've been a heavy smoker for a long time. Recent studies have shown improvements in smokers after they quit, through the use of medication, counseling, and nicotine replacement therapy. 

It is never too late to quit smoking. Quit smoking and you will be amazed at the results it brings to your health. 

Visit Smile Makers Dental Care, 901 Sunvalley Blvd. Suite 240, Concord, CA 94520 for questions or concerns. Contact us at (925) 685-9339 or through our website to schedule an appointment.