23
Jun
What are the Dental Care Tips for a Smoker? Insights from Mid-Valley Dental Care
Tobacco use has numerous detrimental effects on your health, and oral health is no exception. If you smoke, maintaining excellent oral hygiene becomes even more critical to preserving healthy teeth and gums. At Mid-Valley Dental Care in Northridge, California, Drs. Terence, Kayla, and Casey Lau are dedicated to helping patients, including smokers, achieve and maintain a confident, healthy smile. Schedule your visit today. Let us partner with you to protect your oral health.
What are the effects of smoking on your oral health?
We often hear about how smoking harms your overall health, but have you considered what it does to your oral health? Lighting up may seem harmless, but your smile pays a heavy price. Here’s how your oral health takes a hit:
- Staining: Tobacco use is one of the common reasons your teeth are no longer as white as they used to be. Nicotine and tar latch onto your enamel, dulling your smile over time.
- Bad breath: If you smoke, you might already be familiar with the lingering odor. The smoker’s breath is a stale, acrid smell that clings to your breath long after the cigarette is gone.
- Gum disease: Smoking reduces blood flow to the gums, weakening your mouth’s natural defense. A weakened immunity makes it easier for gum disease to sneak in and stay.
- Delayed healing: Had oral surgery? Smoking slows healing, increasing your risk of complications after procedures like implants or extractions.
- Oral cancer risk: The longer you smoke, the greater your risk of developing oral cancer increases. Smokers are estimated to be 10 times more likely to develop oral cancer compared to non-smokers!
Smoking is as bad for your systemic health as it is for your smile. Here’s the good news, though: Quitting today gives your smile a fighting chance. Your gums can recover, your breath can improve, and your teeth can brighten.
What are the tips for maintaining a smoker’s teeth?
You have already seen the far-reaching consequences of smoking on your oral health. Of course, quitting is the ideal thing to do, but it’s easier said than done. Here are the tips for maintaining your teeth as you work on a way to quit.
- Stay on top with oral hygiene visits: Visit your dentist in Northridge, CA, at least twice annually. Dental cleanings remove tobacco stains and built-up plaque to keep your smile healthy.
- Observe optimal oral hygiene: Brush and floss your teeth daily to remove surface stains and plaque. Brush your teeth at least twice daily, and don’t forget to floss. Optimal oral hygiene maintains a healthy smile and keeps your breath fresh.
- Eat smarter: Like smoking, certain foods and drinks can diminish your oral health. Coffee, red wine, and dark berries can stain your teeth—take them in moderation. Similarly, reduce the intake of sugary and acidic foods to reduce the risk of harmful bacteria and enamel erosion. Also, remember to keep your mouth hydrated.
- Use a mouthwash: Swish your mouth with an alcohol-free, antibacterial oral rinse to kill harmful bacteria from areas your toothbrush can’t reach.
Are you ready for preventive dental care?
Smoking does more harm than good for your smile, but it doesn’t mean you can’t be helped. Mid-Valley Dental Care is here to support you in maintaining your optimal oral health. Ready to get started? Call (818) 886-3500 or schedule an online appointment.
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Terence Lau, DDS, FICOI, FAACP
With more than three decades of education and experience, Dr Terence Lau is a leader in his field. With a Bachelor’s degree in Cell-Molecular Biology from CSUN, he earned his DDS from USC School of Dentistry and received specialized Periodontal Prosthodontics training under experts and pioneers in the field at the University of Washington. He focuses especially on minimally invasive Bio-Aesthetic Implant Surgery, advanced laser dentistry, and more. Dr. Lau is a member of the AGD, ICOI, AO, ACOI, ASO, AAID, AADSM, DOCS, AAFO, and AACFP, and is a nationally recognized lecturer and founder of Bio-Aesthetic Implant and Laser Solutions.
Casey Lau, DDS
Dr. Casey Lau has over 10 years of experience in comprehensive dental care, with an emphasis on minimally invasive bioesthetic dentistry. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and his DDS from UCLA. Dr. Lau specializes in occlusion, orthodontics, cosmetic enhancements, and laser dentistry, with expertise in implantology, clear aligner therapy, oral sedation, and much more. He is a member of the AGD, ICOI, AO, ADA, CDA, DOCS, IAO, and AACA. Along with his wife, Dr. Lau co-founded Elims Oral Care, offering eco-conscious oral care products.
Kayla Lau, DDS, RDH
Dr. Kayla Lau started out as a dental hygienist before she earned her DDS from the renowned USC School of Dentistry. Specializing in restorative and aesthetic dentistry, she is highly skilled in using neuromodulators like Botox and dermal fillers to improve orofacial pain relief and facial aesthetics. Dr. Lau is passionate about Biomimetic Restorative Dentistry, having trained with pioneers in the field. She is an active member of the AGD, ADA, CDA, SFVDS, ABD, and IAAFA, committed to enhancing smiles and overall oral health.