How Smokers Can Maintain The Health And Appearance Of Their Teeth And Gums
Smoking has been linked to multiple systemic conditions. Additionally, it can cause problems with oral health. Nevertheless, because tobacco products contain nicotine, a smoker may find it difficult to give up their habit. Here are a few measures that smokers can take to help maintain the health and appearance of their teeth and gums.
Rinse With Antimicrobial Mouthwash
In addition to brushing and flossing, smokers should use an antimicrobial mouth rinse. The mouthwash can help eliminate the bad breath associated with smoking. Additionally, it can help reduce the number of microbes in the mouth.
Harmful oral bacteria release acidic waste that inflames the tissues of the mouth and causes tooth decay. The soft tissues in a smoker's mouth often receive less oxygen and have a more difficult time healing. Thus, smokers may be more likely to suffer from gum disease.
By eliminating some of the harmful bacteria in the mouth, smokers can help protect their teeth and gums.
Use an Electric Toothbrush
As smokers brush their teeth at least twice a day, they should ensure that their brushing sessions are effective. Although a manual toothbrush can effectively clean the teeth, an electric toothbrush tends to clean the tooth surfaces more effectively.
Electric toothbrushes often have vibrating bristles that provide more cleaning power in a shorter amount of time than the use of a manual toothbrush can. As a result, the electronic brush can help smokers clear away more plaque and tobacco stains from their teeth.
Visit the Dentist at Least Once Every Six Months
Dentists often ask their patients to receive routine dental examinations once every six months. For smokers, these visits are particularly important.
During a routine exam, the dentist checks your mouth for signs of oral cancer. Smoking can increase the likelihood of cancer. However, regular screenings can help ensure that any inflamed or cancerous tissue is detected early. The early detection of cancer can help ensure a more positive outcome.
Use a Teeth-Whitening Kit
As the teeth are exposed to dark pigments, the colorants can build up in the pores of the enamel, causing discoloration. Tobacco includes dark brown pigments that stain the teeth. Thus, many smokers suffer from brown or yellow teeth.
A teeth-whitening kit can be used to help bleach away dental stains from smoking. The kits contain peroxide-based products that are applied to the tooth enamel for a set period of time.
If you smoke and are concerned about your oral health, schedule a consultation with a dentist in your local area.