It’s a known fact that tobacco adversely impacts our health as it damages the lungs and deteriorates the condition of teeth and gums as well. But did you know that it can also affect your otherwise beautiful smile?
If you smoke regularly, your teeth will have smoking stains, which will be very visible when you talk, smile, or eat. So, quitting smoking is not only important for healthy teeth and overall health but for retaining your beautiful smile as well.
Having said that, it will take some time before you altogether quit this habit. Meanwhile, you can follow these key dental tips to remove tobacco stains from teeth:
Brush After Smoking
It may seem daunting, but brushing after smoking can prevent teeth from staining. It basically removes chemicals and tartar from teeth that become responsible for stained teeth.
However, brushing after every time you smoke may not be possible if you’re a chain smoker. The same goes for when you’re smoking at work or in an outdoor location. In such a situation, you can prevent stains from appearing by rinsing your mouth with water. This practice will reduce the chances of stained teeth since microbes and bacteria are kept under control.
If you already have stained teeth, rinse your mouth with a mouthwash preferably that contains Hydrogen Peroxide. It can prove to be effective for smoking stains on teeth.
Maintain Optimal Oral Hygiene
By maintaining good oral hygiene, not only do you get stronger teeth but the chances of stains due to smoking are minimum as well. So, follow the advice of brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Moreover, make a point to visit your dentist twice a year. They may also suggest you some oral health tips which can prove to be handy for you to clean tobacco stains.
Use Baking Soda
The use of baking soda can be quite helpful in removing tobacco stains from teeth at home. The reason is that the components of baking soda include a mild abrasive. Its effectiveness can be further enhanced by combining it with peroxide. This combination will oxidize stains; thus, it wouldn’t be too difficult for you to get rid of them.
Having said that, it’s important to know that overusing baking soda can weaken your teeth. Thus, use it in moderation only.
Eat Food Products That Help in Whitening Teeth
There are certain food products that have natural properties to whiten our teeth. These include carrots, cereals, and apples. They work by improving saliva creation. As saliva is our body’s washing component, it helps scratch off the stains when it’s improved.
Besides the aforementioned, citrus fruits also promote saliva production in the mouth. Similarly, sour fruits help in teeth whitening as well. Mixing lemon with water is a popular home remedy for whitening teeth and cleaning off stains. However, again, you shouldn’t overdo these remedies as they can damage the tooth enamel.
A Final Word
In all, it’s undoubtedly getting rid of teeth stains caused by smoking, but not impossible. By following the right set of dental tips for smokers, not only will you be able to have spotless teeth but stay protected against many oral diseases. Still, it’s recommended to quit smoking as it causes much damage to several organs other than teeth.