Smoking has many harmful effects on the body, especially on oral health. In this blog, we highlight the effects of smoking on teeth, gums and the entire oral area, emphasizing the importance of good dental hygiene. We also show how people who smoke can still protect and care for their mouth and teeth in the best possible way.

Tooth discoloration

Cigarette smoke contains a variety of chemicals that are harmful to our bodies. Nicotine and tar in particular are the main causes of tooth discoloration. Regular smoking causes these chemicals to build up on the teeth, turning them yellowish or brown. But it’s not just the color of the teeth that is affected. Smoking also increases the risk of tartar build-up and tooth decay. Constant exposure to these harmful substances weakens the enamel and makes teeth more susceptible to bacteria.

Unpleasant bad breath

The consequences of smoking are not only visible, but can also be smelled. The distinctive smell of cigarette smoke can linger for hours, with bad breath coming not only from the chemicals in cigarettes but also from changes in oral flora. Cigarettes affect the natural bacteria in our mouths and can disrupt the balance. This often leads to a dry mouth, which in turn encourages the growth of harmful bacteria.

Gum disease

Smoking has a vasoconstrictive effect, which means that it constricts the blood vessels and thus reduces the blood supply to the gums. Gums with poor blood supply cannot function properly and become more susceptible to inflammation and infection. The risk of periodontitis increases considerably if you smoke. Chronic inflammation can cause the gums to recede, which can lead to loose or missing teeth.

Increased risk of oral cancer

Oral cancer is one of the most dangerous and unfortunately most common types of cancer among smokers. Constant exposure to the toxic substances in cigarettes increases the risk of DNA damage in the cells of the mouth. Over time, this damage can lead to cancer. Symptoms are often non-specific and can be overlooked, so it is important to have regular dental check-ups.

Longer healing time

Smokers often encounter complications after oral surgery. The wounds heal more slowly, which can lead to pain, infection and other problems. Smoking not only affects the healing time, but also increases the risk of complications. It is known that smoking affects blood clotting and reduces the supply of oxygen to the tissues.

Maintaining healthy teeth: Tips for smokers

The best thing for oral health is to stop smoking completely so that the mouth and teeth can regenerate. For people for whom quitting smoking is not an option, there are measures that can be taken to maintain the health of the teeth for as long as possible:

• Thorough dental hygiene: Use a high-quality toothpaste with fluoride.
• Regular check-ups: A visit to the dentist should be scheduled at least twice a year.
• Effective mouthwashes: Mouth rinses can help kill bacteria and reduce the risk of gum disease.
• Use dental spray: Dental sprays can help with irritation in the mouth caused by smoking and alleviate bad breath.
• Tooth gel: A tooth gel can help with dry mouth.

Our conclusion: smokers should attach great importance to oral hygiene

Even if quitting is the best option, there are still ways that smokers can protect their oral health. From choosing the right products to clean the mouth and teeth to regular check-ups at the dentist. Discover our high-quality products now and take a step towards a better dental care routine today.