The risks to your health from smoking are well known, but what is less known is the effect that it has on your teeth and oral heath. In this post we’ll look at both the cosmetic and more serious dental problems that can arise from smoking and what you can do about it.

Aesthetic effects on your teeth

If you smoke cigarettes or chew tobacco regularly you will almost certainly have stained teeth, a stained tongue and also you probably have bad breath. While these effects from smoking aren’t initially harmful, they certainly have a negative effect on your social interactions. Yellow teeth and smelly breath certainly aren’t pleasant for someone to experience when they’re talking closely with you…

And what they are experiencing has a name. It’s called ‘smokers mouth’.

Perhaps your other half is also a smoker, and therefore some of these unpleasant effects of smoking aren’t that apparent to you.

In addition to the problems above, some people also experience a hairy tongue from smoking (smokers tongue) and sometimes even hairy teeth.

Picture source: Pinterest

The more serious effects of smoking on oral health

According to the American Dental Association, smoking and tobacco products are responsible for far more serious health problems and issues than an embarrassing smokers mouth. These health issues include:

– A dulled sense of taste and smell
– Accelerated gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis)
– Slow healing from surgery on your teeth and gums
– Greater susceptibility to infection
– Oral cancer

So, is smoking bad for your teeth? I think you have your answer…

What can you do about the effects of smoking on your teeth and oral health?

In short, you need to quit. It’s not going to be easy, but do you really want an embarrassing smoker’s mouth and to risk harming your immune system or developing cancer? Here are 3 top tips to help you kick the nicotine habit:

– Get a sponsor
Someone committed to helping you quit for good. Give them a method of rewarding you for each milestone.

– Meditate
Learning to be mindful and being aware of your body’s physical state can help you focus on the benefits of quitting.

– Get professional help
Whether it’s a therapist, supportive group or a self-help book, seek out an effective quitting strategy from experts that know what works.

What if I can’t quit smoking?

Then you’re not a terrible person. It’s tough! And nicotine is highly addictive.

You can help your teeth and oral health out by having a thorough daily teeth cleaning routine that consists of: brushing twice a day, cleaning your tongue with a tongue scraper, using an interdental brush to clean in between your teeth (proven to be more effective than floss) and finishing off with a 60 second swill of mouthwash.

Follow that routine every day and you can eliminate some of the more embarrassing dental problems caused by smoking.

But of course, it’s never going to be as effective as quitting.

At Biteaway, we’re all about improving your life (and your smile) through ‘persistence’. So, we’re with you. You can do it!

xoxo Nora

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