Smoking harms more than your overall health, affecting your smile as well. It increases the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and various types of oral cancer and causes problems like stained teeth and bad breath. The best dental care tip for smokers is to quit as soon as possible, but the following practices will help reduce the act's effects as you work on stopping the habit.

How to Keep Teeth as Healthy as Possible While Smoking

1. Use Products Made for Smokers

Smoking exposes the teeth to nicotine and tobacco, but the right products will help reduce their presence in your mouth. When shopping for a toothbrush, look for one that offers both flexibility and strong bristles. 

You can also enhance your dental care routine with toothpaste made for smokers. This product has special formulations to break down nicotine and prevent it from building up along the teeth and gums. Although these items can help you brush more effectively, get input from a dentist before using them.

2. Clean Your Entire Mouth

Smoking contributes to significant bacteria buildup along the teeth and throughout the mouth. For this reason, you'll need a more extensive dental care routine to protect your smile. 

You should floss between all teeth, brush the mouth's tongue, gums, and roof, and rinse with mouthwash twice daily. A tongue scraper can help eliminate bacteria that cause bad breath in smokers. 

3. Avoid Stain-Causing Food and Beverages

Smoking alone causes staining, so avoid consuming other food and drinks that will damage your smile's appearance. Dark beverages like coffee and red wine are major culprits of discoloration, so opt for white wine or green tea. Water is the healthiest alternative, boosting saliva production and washing away harmful bacteria.

Highly acidic foods like citrus fruits can also wear away tooth enamel and make it easier for stains to seep in. Whenever possible, eat nutritious foods high in minerals like calcium, which help teeth grow strong. Vegetables, legumes, nuts, and dairy products are generally good for teeth. 

Regular trips to the dentist will also help catch any issues that arise from smoking. Four Corners Dental Group in Wasilla and Anchorage, AK, provides preventive dental care and restorative treatment options to give every patient the healthiest, most confident smile possible. Visit the website to see a full list of services, and call (907) 258-3384 to make an appointment.