I Smoke, How Can I Best Care for My Teeth?

It is common knowledge that smoking is injurious to health and can cause a number of issues in the short and long term. This includes oral health. The very nature of smoking exposes your oral cavity to various harmful substances.

Ideally, it would be best to quit smoking altogether or at least work on quitting this bad habit. However, if you choose to continue smoking, it is crucial to take extra care of your oral health. Following are some ways to minimize the damage smoking causes to your teeth and gums.

• Brush Regularly: While everyone must brush their teeth regularly, the necessity increases for smokers. According to the journal published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smokers have twice the risk of developing gum disease compared to non-smokers. Make sure to use a good-quality toothbrush and brush at least twice a day. If you smoke once or twice a day, try brushing after each smoke as well. However, brushing more than that can start wearing out the tooth enamel.
• Properly Clean Your Tongue: Most people tend to neglect their tongue when it comes to oral hygiene. As a smoker, this can be more dangerous for you than for a non-smoker. The tongue has the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive in. The substances from the cigarette can make a home here and can cause bad breath. In the long run, it may even affect your sense of taste. Always pay extra attention to cleaning your tongue while brushing your teeth.
• Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash: The growth of bacteria caused by smoking can also be countered with a good antibacterial mouthwash. When you rinse your mouth with mouthwash, it reaches the nooks and corners of your mouth that can be missed by brushing and flossing, killing as much bacteria as possible.

Ultimately, it is best to quit smoking. Not only will it improve your oral health, but it will provide an array of other health benefits. However, if you're still struggling with it, make sure to practice proper oral hygiene to prevent some of the damage caused by smoking. If needed, you can ask for further advice from a dentist in Castle Rock, CO. Meadows Family Dentistry will be glad to help you keep your smile bright.