How to Protect Your Teeth

The Smoking Struggle: How To Avoid Cosmetic Dental Damage

Cigarette smokers often suffer from dental problems, and these issues range from minor to severe. Cigarette smoke causes a number of problems - dental decay, gingivitis, and so much more. If you are looking for effective ways to avoid cosmetic damage, read on to learn more.

All-Natural Remedies For Smoking Side Effects

If you are into do-it-yourself remedies, you are in luck. There are plenty of natural ways that you can reduce your risk of superficial damage. Some of those solutions include:

  • Increased Water ConsumptionThe Mayo Clinic recommends drinking more water to battle bad breath. Cigarettes can trigger dry mouth, which may increase bacteria levels and tooth decay.

  • Chew Fennel Seeds – Fennel seeds have naturally occurring antibacterial properties. Chewing fennel seeds after your smoke breaks can reduce infection-causing bacterias in your mouth.

  • Clove Oil Mouthwash – Clove oil is well known for reducing cavity pain, but it also works as an effective mouthwash. Like fennel seeds, cloves have antibacterial properties. Create your own mouthwash by putting a few drops of clove essential oil into a cup of water. You can also find recipes online for creating mouthwash from cloves.

Over-The-Counter Remedies For Smoking Side Effect

  • Improved Oral Hygiene – This one may seem obvious, but improving your oral hygiene regimen can significantly reduce your chance of decay, periodontal disease, and more. Killing the bacteria in your mouth on a regular basis may also improve your breath on a long-term basis, which is an added benefit.

  • Plan Your Smoke Breaks – Try to plan your smoke breaks according to when you can brush or floss. If this is not possible, keep a bottle of anti-cavity mouthwash on hand. Use this after smoking to quickly reduce germs and bacteria.

Visit A Cosmetic Dentist For Long-Term Solutions

If you want long-term remedies for preventing cosmetic dental damage, it's best to consult with an oral health care professional. Consider visiting a cosmetic dentist due to the services they provide. They may:

  • explain the long-term cosmetic damage caused by smoking

  • come up with a treatment plan for restoring any cosmetic damage caused by smoking

  • offer at-home solutions for eliminating bad breath, tooth discoloration, and more

Overall, you have several viable options for reducing or getting rid of your smoker's breath. Try out some of the tips above, and do not hesitate to contact a cosmetic dentist. You may finally achieve long-term results with help from an oral health care provider.

For more information, contact Carolina Forest Family Dentistry or a similar location.


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