How Do Smokers Keep Their Gums Healthy?

We should begin by stating the obvious, smoking is injurious to health! It is a leading cause of preventable death and leads to a long list of diseases which damage every organ in the human body. Smoking has a severe effect on oral health and can lead to oral cancer as well as other problems.

Not only does cigarette smoke stain your teeth and gums, it also allows bad bacteria to flourish in your mouth. The smell of smoke lingers on the breath and coats almost every part of the mouth. At Dentists on the Gold Coast, we recommend that smokers take extra steps to ensure that their dental routine takes the harmful effects of smoking into account.

Extra Steps to Keep Gums Healthy

Flossing: Apart from brushing at least twice a day, flossing is especially important for smokers so that tar and other impurities do not build up in the spaces between teeth.

Mouthwash: An antimicrobial mouthwash is extremely important to prevent bad bacteria from multiplying with ease.

Tongue Scraper: Since the tongue has a large surface area and is exposed to a lot of inhaled cigarette smoke, we recommend investing in a tongue scraper to really clean the surface of the tongue.

See a Dentist Regularly: Be sure to see your dental professional for regular cleanings to check the health of your teeth and gums. Smoking can cause dental health to deteriorate very quickly, so if you notice anything irregular or experience pain or sensitivity, make an appointment with a dental professional right away.

How to Whiten Smoker’s Teeth

There’s no getting around it, cigarette smoke causes staining of the teeth. The best way to reverse the effects of smoking on your teeth is to quit smoking! In the meantime, there are some ways in which teeth can be whitened for better results.

At-home whitening options do not have to cost a lot of money. There are cost-effective ways such as whitening toothpastes with bleaching agents and a mild abrasive quality which gently polish the enamel. Consider adding mouthwashes with hydrogen peroxide to your dental routine for an added whitening effect. Some whitening gel pens which contain hydrogen peroxide can also show good results. Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used and is known to be safe for dental use and helps strip away hardened residue left behind by cigarette smoke.

At Dentists on the Gold Coast, we recommend opting for professional teeth whitening from time to time for the best results. Dental professionals are trained in the proper use of stronger whitening gels and ultraviolet treatments which provide a stronger whitening effect. The results are faster and can benefit severely stained teeth. According to the highly-regarded US CDC, smokers are two times more likely to develop gum disease from smoking and of left unchecked, can cause permanent teeth to become loose and fall out.

Signs of Gum Disease

If you are experiencing persistent bad breath, pain when you chew harder foods or feel that your gums become tender or swollen easily, you should see a dental professional immediately.

Dentists on the Gold Coast provides highly-personalised dental care by building a dental plan for you based on your lifestyle and needs. Schedule an appointment through our website now and experience the very best in dental care!