How to Care for Your Teeth and Gums If You’re a Smoker

If you’re a smoker, your dentist in Foley, AL, probably told you that you should stop smoking if you want to improve your oral health. Unfortunately, for most people, that’s easier said than done. So, let’s talk about how to properly care for your teeth and gums if you are a smoker.

How Smoking Contributes to Gum Disease

If you can quit smoking, do it. It’s always best not to smoke whenever possible. Smoking generally leads to gum disease, bad breath, stained teeth, and even tooth loss. All of these will, at some point, require dental services in Foley, AL. Therefore, we urge you to please stop smoking.

Here is how smoking contributes to gum disease.

• Weakens the immune system
• Increases your risk of getting gum disease
• Makes gum disease treatments less effective
• Takes longer for your gums to heal

If you just can’t stop smoking, please keep reading.

How to Care for Your Teeth and Gums If You’re a Smoker

As you probably already know, smoking can contribute to gum disease and cause a whole host of other dental issues. That’s why it’s so important to spend a little more time caring for your teeth if you are a smoker.

Develop a daily dental routine that includes the following steps. Doing so will help you reduce your chances of getting gum disease or developing other dental issues.

• Brush and floss properly
• Use a toothpaste designed specifically for smokers
• Reduce the number of highly acidic foods and drinks you consume
• Eat more food that is high in fiber and calcium
• Use an antibacterial mouthwash
• Perform your own daily dental checks
• Schedule regular dental appointments

If after adhering to a good oral hygiene routine, you still get gum disease, you will have to see a dentist. The dentist will generally perform a deep cleaning below your gumline to help keep your gum disease from getting worse.

Do You Need a Dentist in Foley, AL?

If you are looking for a dentist in Foley, AL, please Contact Sand Dollar Dental today. We are a dedicated, passionate, and friendly team of dentists committed to ensuring you the best possible dental care available. When you become a Sand Dollar Dental patient, you become family!