You may think that chewing is not as dangerous as having smoke in your lungs. You are wrong! Chewing tobacco is as dangerous as smoking tobacco it self. The nicotine found in the tobacco is an addictive drug and it sticks to your teeth.

Have you noticed the dark brown build-up on the teeth of smokers, especially those with poor oral and dental hygiene? That is nicotine build up and it damages your teeth and deteriorates your gums resulting in gum disease. You should also know that gum disease is one of the biggest contributing factors of bad breath.

If you want to keep your mouth as healthy and fresh as much as possible, you need to invest time and effort into a healthy daily oral hygiene routine. You should also eliminate your chewing tobacco habit to keep your breath fresh smelling.

Here is my top 7 tips for a good oral hygiene routine:

1. Understand your personal oral health needs

Watch for changes in your general health and be aware any medications that may dry out your mouth. Always ask you dentist about how your mouth may be affected.

2. Commit to a daily routine

Develop a routine that is easy for you to follow and takes into account any health conditions or medicines that you might be taking. You may need to use special daily care.

3. Watch what you eat

When food gets lodged in your teeth for any period of time, it provides the breeding ground for bacteria. And the more time it has to produce sugars and acids, the more you open yourself to tooth decay. This is especially true for sugary and starchy foods.

4. Brush and floss often

You should brush and floss after EVERY MEAL (AND SNACK). The key is to remove plaque and bacteria that forms in your teeth and is a common cause for bad breath.

5. Examine your mouth weekly

You can recognize any changes such as swollen gums, discolored teeth, chipped teech, or any sores on your gums, tongue or anywhere inside your mouth.

6. Stop Smoking and Chewing Tobacco (I just want to mention it one more time!)

Bad breath and stained teeth come directly from smoking. But that should be the least of your worries. Click on the link above. We have dedicated a whole section on bad breath and smoking.

7. Visit your dentist at least twice a year

Make sure you visit your dentist regularly to get a complete cleaning and analysis of your teeth and mouth.