Smoking is not only harmful to the lungs but also to the teeth. Cavities, unsightly discolorations, and gum inflammation are all promoted by cigarette smoke. For this reason, smokers also experience dental health problems much earlier than non-smokers, for example. In today's blog post, we explain why dental care for smokers should be adapted.
Why you, as a smoker, need to pay special attention to your teeth
There are numerous reasons for this. The effects of smoking are very clearly visible through yellow discolorations. But excessive consumption of coffee, tea, or regular consumption of red wine can also lead to unsightly discolorations on your teeth.
Unfortunately, discolorations of this kind are often more than just a cosmetic problem. Due to severe deposits, the tooth surfaces become rough. This, in turn, leads to harmful bacteria being able to adhere to them even better.
But that's not all: smoke demonstrably changes the composition of saliva. Bacteria-inhibiting substances contained in saliva are killed by cigarette smoke. Such altered saliva can indirectly lead to further dental diseases. A dry mouth is one of them, as are periodontitis and gum inflammation.
What you, as a smoker, should do for your teeth
Quitting smoking would be the best solution to prevent dental problems caused by smoking. But every smoker knows that quitting is not always easy. To still boast beautiful and healthy teeth, meticulous oral hygiene and care are essential.
A visit to the dentist should take place at least twice a year. The motto here is: the earlier potential problems are detected, the faster the dentist can act and prevent further dental diseases.
Tips for daily dental care as a smoker
Brush your teeth regularly – preferably 2 to 3 times a day. Brushing about 30 minutes after eating also dampens the craving for the next cigarette. Also, make sure not to brush with too much pressure. Our emmi®-dent ultrasonic toothbrush is perfect for this. Brush your teeth without pressure and enjoy perfect cleanliness.
Thorough cleaning of the interdental spaces is also important for you as a smoker. Our emmi®-dent ultrasonic toothbrush helps you reach areas that you previously struggled with using a normal toothbrush.
Additionally, chew gum regularly. While chewing gum is no substitute for daily dental care, it stimulates saliva production. This also activates your body's immune defenses. Also, treat yourself to a professional teeth cleaning regularly.
To promote your dental health as a smoker, you should also drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and eat a healthy and low-sugar diet.
