Tips to Get Rid of Cigarette Breath

Smoking and chewing tobacco are the leading causes of bad breath. Cigarette smoke contains thousands of chemicals, many of which are toxic and can cause bad breath.

What Is Cigarette Breath?

When you smoke, you inhale tar and other debris that gets trapped in your teeth and gums, causing your teeth to turn yellow and your gums to recede. Smoking cigarettes also leaves more than just stale smoke in your lungs and clothing – it can impact your breath, too. The odor from cigarettes is a combination of tar, nicotine, and ammonia that stays on teeth for a long time. Cigarettes also contain chemicals like formaldehyde, cyanide, and arsenic that cause tooth discoloration and tooth decay. 

How to Get Rid of Cigarette Breath

The good news is you can get rid of the nasty smell of stale cigarette smoke by following some good oral hygiene habits.

• Brush your teeth

Immediately after you finish smoking a cigarette, brush your teeth to get rid of cigarette breath. The act of cleaning your teeth will brighten your smile, but brushing will also neutralize the odor in your mouth caused by cigarettes.

• Use a mouthwash

After smoking a cigarette, use a mouthwash with alcohol to rinse your mouth and get rid of foul-smelling odors. Alcohol helps to kill odor-causing bacteria by destroying their cell walls. It can also dry up oral mucus, which prevents the formation of more bacteria in the mouth. The astringent properties of alcohol also help to get rid of dead cells and tissues in your mouth that may be contributing to the bad smell.

• Clean your tongue

If you’re after immediate results, then cleaning your tongue is your best bet! Your tongue can harbor a lot of bad breath-causing bacteria, so gently brushing the tongue with a toothbrush or a tongue scraper can help get rid of halitosis. After cleaning your tongue, make sure to rinse your mouth with water to remove any remaining debris.

• Chew sugar-free gum

Eating or chewing something sugary can temporarily mask the smell of cigarettes on your breath. However, you need to brush away all the sugar and bacteria from your mouth in order to prevent tooth decay and cavities. Researchers found that chewing gum is an effective natural way to remove nicotine and tar buildup on the tongue. Chewing on a stick has the same effect as brushing the teeth, so it works quickly in removing the smell. It can also help to reduce the acidity in the mouth caused by cigarette consumption. It can also fight gum diseases like gingivitis because it increases the production of saliva in your mouth. Saliva is a natural mouth cleanser that can prevent bad odors from occurring.

• Visit your dentist

Smoking causes not only bad breath but tooth decay and gum disease as well. Your dentist can work with you to help you quit. They will provide a treatment plan that may include specialized toothpaste, rinses, and medications to eliminate nicotine stains from your teeth and treat any oral health problems you may have as a result of your addiction.

If you're ready to experience the best dental care, please contact the cosmetic dentist in Phoenix, AZ, at (602) 249-2227 or visit us at 1277 E Missouri Ave Ste 217 Phoenix, AZ 85014.