Do you wish your smile was white and more attractive?
If so, you're not alone. The key is to understand the most important factors that contribute to a bright white smile.
For example, you need to learn proper dental hygiene to keep your teeth looking healthy. It's also important to avoid certain lifestyle choices that can negatively impact the quality of your teeth, such as the foods you eat and smoking.
Here we take at ways smoking can ruin your teeth, as well as the importance of an oral cancer screening from a dentist at North Vancouver to ensure you have a great smile for years to come. Keep reading to learn more.
The Impact of Smoking On Oral Health
Let's start by looking at the most common ways that smoking can negatively impact the overall health of your mouth.
Some signs of smoking are visible while others aren't. The visible signs include yellow or brown teeth, hardening of plaque, tooth decay, and bleeding gums. These are obviously unattractive and often painful, thus they should be assessed with a mouth screening sooner rather than later.
There are other signs of poor oral health lurking beneath the surface. They might not be as visible, but that doesn't make them any less important. For example, you might have gum disease, have loose teeth, or need a root canal.
Smoking typically also results in bad breath, pain when chewing, and receding gums. The key is to catch these symptoms as soon as possible so that a Vancouver dentist can provide the necessary dental care to promote proper dental health.
Dental Care for Smokers
It's not easy to stop smoking. And you may love smoking and have no desire to give up your habit. When this is the case, there are some very important oral hygiene tips for smokers you need to keep in mind.
First and foremost, it's crucial that all smokers understand how to brush properly. After all, smoking puts you at twice the risk for gum disease, so you have to work hard to keep your gums as healthy as possible. The best strategy is to invest in a quality toothbrush and brush at least twice a day.
It's also wise to ask your Vancouver dentist about teeth whitening treatments.
After you brush, always rinse with a mouthwash. This will help reduce the bacteria in your mouth that smoking promotes. Focus on eating tooth-friendly foods, and avoid foods and beverages that will stain your teeth.
Schedule Regular Dental Appointments
Your Vancouver dentist is the best person for asking questions about smoking and oral cancer. That's why it's important to schedule a dental appointment at least once a year to keep an eye out for mouth cancer and other serious oral health conditions.
A Guide to the Importance of an Oral Cancer Screening
Oral health is something most people take for granted until there's a serious problem. The key is to practice good dental hygiene and have an oral cancer screening each year to keep your teeth as healthy and beautiful as possible.
Please contact us today to schedule an appointment with a North Vancouver dentist or to inquire about our dental treatments.
