Most of us are aware that smoking can have a negative impact on our health. It can lead to life-threatening medical conditions, chronic diseases like lung cancer and eventual tooth loss. However, there’s another side effect of smoking that doesn’t get as much attention.
Smoking can also be detrimental to oral health. “Smokers’ teeth” or simply having discolored teeth due to smoking is very common.
The Disadvantages of Smoking
Apart from the serious risks associated with smoking, some other conditions related to oral health include:
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- Smoking may make teeth look stained or discolored
- The risks of getting oral cancer increase significantly
- Healing time from oral surgery is longer for smokers
When we meet someone for the first time, one of the many things we notice about them is their smile. Your smile can often set you apart (positively or negatively). No one wants a smile that is discolored or dull…or to be self-conscious that they often have bad breath.
Frequently brushing your teeth will not erase stains left from cigarettes. So, what can someone with teeth stains due to smoking do to improve their smile?
Teeth Whitening: Is It Safe?
The strips or gel-filled trays designed to whiten teeth are often used by the best dental offices. These strips can whiten teeth with hydrogen peroxide (at a dental office or in your home).
Whitening strips are readily available, so why would someone choose to see a dentist for professional teeth whitening? Even though there are some visible results from over the counter products, there is plenty of research that suggests that using a kit from a grocery store or pharmacy is not the best option because continued use may actually damage your teeth over time.
According to dental experts, hydrogen peroxide teeth bleaching can be conducted safely. If you choose to buy a teeth whitening kit, there are some safety precautions you should be aware of to maintain your oral health.
Safety Precautions
1- The Seal of Approval
Depending where you live, your country will have a governing body that approves products for widespread use. If you live in Canada, you will look for a seal of approval from the Canadian Dental Association. When you see this seal on a product, you can be confident that it has been tested and deemed safe.
2- Following Instructions
You will achieve the greatest benefits from a product if you use it exactly the way it is meant to be used. Some teeth whitening products can be used once a day, while some can be used twice. Follow the directions on the kit you purchase for the best results.
3- Consult Your Dentist
The best dental office can often tell you if a product is safe to use. Dentists can also tell you the effects a product will have on your teeth. If you have very stained teeth, you will achieve the best results if you have your teeth whitened by a dentist.
If you have questions about the best way to whiten your teeth, the Hummingbird Dental team of experts are always here to share our knowledge and expertise. Click here to book an appointment today!
