According to a study, smoking is the cause of several gum diseases, like periodontal disease. Additionally, constant smoking can change the overall structure of your jawbones and even result in tooth loss or falling. Smoking cigarettes can also lead to increased and quicker plaque build-up. Smokers have a lack of oxygen in their bloodstream, which declines the healing process of any gum infection, worsening any existing gum disease. Therefore, once you leave smoking, you need to take extra care of your mouth and gums to reverse the damage and prevent any negative consequences in the future. 

This blog discusses some crucial oral care tips for ex-smokers suggested by modern dentists. 

Pay Extra Attention to Brushing and Flossing

While regular brushing and flossing are important for everyone, it's essential for people who have recently quit smoking. Ex-smokers are more prone to plaque build-up, tooth sensitivity issues, teeth stains, and various teeth and gum diseases. Therefore, they need to pay extra attention to cleaning their teeth and should be vigilant about properly brushing their teeth a minimum of twice a day. Additionally, modern dentists also advise ex-smokers to floss their teeth after every meal. 

If you have recently quit smoking, it’s also advisable to clean your tongue using a tongue cleaner at least a couple of times daily. Additionally, you need to remember that brushing alone isn’t enough. You also need to make sure that you’re brushing your teeth for enough time and using the right movements. Improper brushing can be harmful to your oral health, as you might experience pale teeth or sensitive gums after some time. 

Use Special Toothbrushes for Smokers and Ex-Smokers

Besides ensuring that you’re brushing your teeth for the right amount of time and following dentist-approved motions, ex-smokers should also use special toothbrushes manufactured for people who smoke or have recently quit smoking. These soft and flexible toothbrushes allow you to clean the hard-to-access parts in your mouth. This allows you to stay on top of oral health care and ensures that your teeth don’t develop plaque build-up, additional stains, and a yellowish shade over time. 

If you’re confused about the right type of toothbrush for ex-smokers, reaching out to a dentist and getting their recommendation before buying and using a toothbrush is advisable. You can also use an electric toothbrush as it has soft bristles and automatic movement that brushes your teeth softly while cleaning every region of your teeth, gums, and tongue. You can also get specially-manufactured toothpaste for smokers and ex-smokers that will help you eliminate residue from smoking effectively. 

Add a Mouthwash to Your Dental Health Care Routine

It’s no secret that smokers and ex-smokers deal with bad breath constantly. Cigarettes have various chemical compounds that stay in your mouth for a long time and mix with your saliva to give you bad breath. Additionally, the smoke of cigarettes can linger in the lungs and throats for quite some time, which also results in bad breath. 

But don’t worry; if you struggle with bad breath even after quitting smoking, a good dental healthcare regime will help you get rid of it. For ex-smokers, it’s advisable to use a dentist-recommended mouthwash as that will allow your mouth to smell fresh and clean around the clock. Besides eliminating bad breath, mouthwash will also reduce the stains on your teeth left behind by smoking. 

Get a Teeth Whitening Treatment 

Cigarettes have high quantities of nicotine and tar, which enters the tooth’s enamel through small pores, resulting in stained or discolored teeth. The tar from cigarettes adds a brown layer to the teeth, while the nicotine can combine with oxygen, making the teeth look yellowish. Once you quit smoking, it’s highly challenging to restore the original color of your teeth, despite brushing regularly. So, we recommend getting a teeth whitening treatment from professional dentists. This treatment will help you get back your white, clean teeth in no time!

Visit Modern Dentists Regularly 

Visiting modern dentists is essential for ex-smokers as they’re more prone to various dental health issues. Regular dental healthcare appointments will ensure that your teeth and gums are in top-notch condition. NY Dental Boutique is one of the leading dental centers in Brooklyn. Their general dentistry services check the mouth of ex-smokers, ensuring that their teeth are clean and germ-free. Their dental specialists in Brooklyn also recommend techniques that ex-smokers can use to improve their dental health. Their cosmetic dentistry can also restore the look of your teeth with in-office or take-home teeth whitening treatments.

Get in touch with them and book an appointment with this dental clinic ASAP!