Kicked the smoking habit? High five! You’ve just made one of the greatest health decisions—and for your smile. But now you’re probably asking yourself: how do you reverse the damage all those cigarettes did? Don’t worry, your mouth is more resilient than it looks and can recover with a little TLC. Here are four tips you need to apply to reclaim your oral health and get that smile shining for years to come.
Step 1: Scrub-a-Dub with the Professionals
First task on your to-do list? Schedule a dental cleaning, pronto. Smoking doesn’t just leave its mark on your lungs—it’s also guilty of leaving behind stubborn tartar buildup and stains that your everyday toothbrush can’t even access. Bring in your dental hygienist: the superhero who wields the instruments capable of brushing years of smoking off your teeth. While you’re at it, choose Mona Vale dental care for families, and you can look after the kids too.
Pro tip: Try to upgrade from the standard six-month cleanings to every three to four months for a bit. That gives your mouth a better chance to recover and allows your dentist to keep an eye on you. Bonus? Less bacteria equate to less of a chance of gum disease (which, as we’re being real, ex-smokers are more prone to).
Step 2: Glow-Up Your Oral Hygiene Game
Your in-home dental practice must become casual no more. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste—or, better, one specifically designed for smokers. These toothpaste ninjas contain mild abrasives to help remove surface stains.
And then there’s floss. Smoking cuts down on blood circulation to the gums, which makes them more likely to get infected. Daily flossing removes plaque and bacteria from tight spaces your brush just can’t get to. Top it off with an antimicrobial mouthwash for fresh breath and a little additional bacteria-fighting oomph. It’s like a daily mini-spa for your teeth.
Step 3: Hydration = Salvation
Smoking dries out your mouth, making it vulnerable to acid and bacteria. Since you’ve quit smoking now, it’s time to hydrate as if you’re training for a marathon. Water takes the place of saliva flow, rinses away food particles, and keeps your mouth clean.
And if that wasn’t enough—diet enters the picture as well. Load up on vitamin C-bearing foods such as strawberries and leafy greens to keep your gums in good spirits. Munch on calcium-laden treats such as almonds and cheese for teeth well-being. And avoid sugary treats and acid foods that’ll boot your teeth while they’re down.
Step 4: Face the Dentist Music
Even after you quit smoking, your mouth can still be at high risk of oral cancer and other oral problems for years. Regular visits are your best-kept secret to detecting problems early. Your dentist can conduct oral cancer screenings and check on your overall progress.
Be truthful about your smoking history—your dentist is not judging you, but assisting. Letting them know how long you smoked and when you quit enables them to come up with a plan of care suitable for you. And do not be concerned if they wish to see you more often initially. It is all part of getting your mouth back to its best.
Your Smile’s Comeback Starts Here
The toughest bit was quitting smoking, and you’ve done it. Now, your mouth needs to be pampered with the VIP treatment it deserves. With the four tips above, you’ll be well on the way to reversing the damage and holding onto that winning smile. Begin by scheduling that pro clean and upgrading your daily regime. Your future self, not to mention your teeth, will thank you. Go ahead, give that winning smile!