Table of Contents

• The Impact of Nicotine Use on Your Oral Health
• Can You Reach Your Smile Goals While Using Nicotine Products? 
• How to Support Your Smile While Using Nicotine Products
• Tips for Quitting Nicotine Use
• Let Us Help You Reach Your Smile Goals

Following research into the long-term effects of nicotine use by the U.S. Surgeon General in the 1960s, smoking rates among adults and children were steadily trending downward. Over five decades, smoking rates in adults dropped nearly 73%. However, with the introduction of e-cigarettes, this number is on the rise once again.

While you may initially think about the impact of nicotine use on your respiratory system, the harm it causes is much more far-reaching and can take a major toll on your oral health. Whether you use e-cigarettes or prefer nicotine pouches, each can have a detrimental impact on reaching and maintaining your smile goals. 

In this blog, we’ll discuss some of the impacts this can have on your smile, how you can support your smile while using nicotine products, and steps to help you quit. 

The Impact of Nicotine Use on Your Oral Health

Since 1966, the United States has required health warnings on its tobacco products. However, these disclaimers often address only the risk of developing cancers and respiratory diseases. While these remain the most prevalent concern, regular nicotine use also has long-term, lasting, and, in some cases, irreversible impacts on your oral health. 

Some of the most significant impacts nicotine use can have on your smile include: 

• Periodontal Disease: Using nicotine products not only impacts blood flow to your gum tissue but also weakens your immune system. As bacteria accumulate along your gum line, you may be more prone to developing gum disease and progressing existing gum disease into irreversible periodontal disease. 
• Aesthetic Concerns: The nicotine and tar in tobacco products are known for staining your teeth, leading to increased yellowing or browning over time. This yellowing cannot be addressed, even through professional whitening, which may increase the insecurity you feel when smiling. 
• Oral Cancer: In addition to short-term changes to your smile, nicotine use can also significantly increase your risk of developing oral cancers. Research performed by the Mouth Cancer Foundation found that about 90% of individuals with a form of mouth cancer use tobacco products. 
• Slowed Healing: As mentioned above, nicotine products can decrease blood flow to your oral tissues. With reduced blood flow, you are more likely to experience prolonged healing periods. This slower healing may also lead to increased irritation as you attempt to remedy any sores or cuts. 

Can You Reach Your Smile Goals While Using Nicotine Products? 

If you regularly use nicotine products, you may worry about whether you can reach your smile goal. While you can achieve your goals with these products, it can be exponentially harder to do so. Whether you want to improve the appearance of your smile or boost your oral health, this can be a long, uphill fight. 

The effects of nicotine use on your oral health are extensive, ranging from stained teeth and bad breath to more severe issues like gum disease, tooth decay, and even oral cancer. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow to your gums and making them more susceptible to infection and slower to heal. This can compromise the success of dental treatments and make maintaining a healthy, vibrant smile a constant struggle.

How to Support Your Smile While Using Nicotine Products

If you want to support your smile while continuing to use nicotine products, there are a few things you should do in your day-to-day life to protect it, including:

• Brush More Frequently: You should already be brushing your teeth twice daily to remove plaque, bacteria, and food particles. However, you may want to consider brushing or rinsing after nicotine use to wash away chemicals and prevent staining. 
• Floss Daily: Many adults across the U.S. admit that they don’t floss frequently. However, if you use nicotine products regularly, you must floss every day. This flossing can reduce inflammation and help you remove hard-to-reach plaque. 
• Hydrate Regularly: Nicotine use can contribute to dry mouth, which is especially harmful to your teeth. If you want to reduce your risk, make sure to drink plenty of water throughout he day to support saliva production. 
• Get Professional Treatment: If you use nicotine products, it is crucial to schedule regular exams with your dentist. While the American Dental Association recommends twice-yearly cleanings, you may need to visit more frequently to address oral ailments. 

With a comprehensive oral hygiene routine and regular care from a trusted dental team, you can trust that you’re doing everything in your power to offset the harm nicotine use has on your teeth. 

Tips for Quitting Nicotine Use

Quitting nicotine can be tough, but with the right plan and mindset, it’s absolutely achievable. The first step is understanding your triggers, stress, social settings, or certain routines, and developing strategies to manage them. Setting a quit date can also help you mentally prepare for the change. Consider telling friends and family about your plan so they can offer support and encouragement along the way.

Some additional tips include: 

• Find Replacements: Chew sugar-free gum or keep your hands busy with a stress ball to reduce your likelihood of relapsing.  
• Avoid Triggers: While it can be difficult to avoid all triggers, do your best to stay away from places or situations that make you want to use nicotine products. 
• Use Nicotine Replacement Therapy: Consider investing in patches, lozenges, or gum, which can ease withdrawal symptoms. 
• Stay Active: Exercise helps reduce cravings and boost mood, which can be incredibly beneficial while trying to quit.
• Reward Yourself: Celebrate every milestone you hit, whether it’s one day, week, or month, without nicotine to remain positive throughout the transition. 

Remember, every day without nicotine use is progress toward a healthier you. Don’t ever diminish the hard work you put in to achieve your goals. 

Let Us Help You Reach Your Smile Goals

At Mills River Family Dental, our team is dedicated to helping you achieve your smile goals. Whether you’re trying to address cosmetic changes from nicotine use, boost your gum health, or just achieve overall better oral health, we’re here to provide expert support through every step. We’ll provide you with high-quality in-office care and at-home advice to help you reach your goals every day.

When you’re ready to schedule an appointment with our team, don’t hesitate to contact us by calling our office or using our online contact form.