Every smoker in this world is aware of the fact that smoking is highly injurious to health and can become fatal if not stopped after a certain period of time. Even smoking one cigarette every day can be the reason you suffer from lung cancer later in life. There are a number of diseases that smokers can suffer from, including dental problems.
While most smokers do not consider the harm tobacco does to their oral health, it is important to understand just how much your teeth and gums are affected by smoking. If you are a smoker and find it difficult to quit, there are still ways you can protect your oral hygiene. Consult with a family dentist in Lawton, OK, for a regular check-up.
Tips for smokers to protect their oral health
- Brush your teeth.
If you are a smoker, you must have heard that smoking makes your teeth look yellow. This is because smoking deposits tar and other chemicals over your teeth surface. If you are a smoker, brushing your teeth at least twice daily is advisable. On top of that, brushing your teeth right after you have smoked a cigarette is also highly recommended. Of course, that is not possible if you smoke many cigarettes a day.
- Stay on top of dentist visits.
Regardless of whether you are a smoker or not, it is crucial to stay on top of your dentist visits. Perhaps going to your dentist for a regular check-up and yearly teeth cleaning is even more important. This is because smoking comes with a few risks, such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay, that can be avoided if you get your teeth professionally cleaned at least twice a year.
- Choose the appropriate toothpaste.
If you did not know this yet, there are specially formulated toothpastes for smokers. These kinds of toothpaste contain special ingredients targeting tobacco and nicotine substances that harm your teeth and keep your teeth white. Other than that, there is fluoride toothpaste that can keep your teeth white. If your teeth have become stained from smoking, let your dentist know you need a whitening treatment.
- Floss your teeth.
Most people brush their teeth twice daily but forget the flossing part. Flossing is just as important as brushing your teeth, and you should not skip it, especially if you are a smoker, since you are at a much greater risk of developing oral problems. Flossing helps remove tar and nicotine from between the teeth.