At some point after a root canal, a smoker is going to want to smoke. And at some point following a root canal, it will be okay to smoke.

“Let’s be honest – you’d be hard pressed to find a dentist who thinks ‘smoking is okay’ at any time!” says Gigi Meinecke, DMD, FAGD, member of the Academy of General Dentistry with a private practice in Potomac, MD.

And if your dentist or hygienist is a smoker, this doesn’t change the fact that tobacco is bad for the teeth, gums and everyplace else inside your mouth.

The facts are what they are. But back to the specific question at hand here…

Dr. Meinecke continues, “With that said, there is nothing about a root canal procedure that would be considered a contraindication to smoking.”

So feel free to light up at any point following your root canal.

And maybe right after the procedure you’ll be too stressed to think about kicking the expensive habit.

But at some point, please do yourself a favor and make an effort to dump the habit. Your teeth, skin and hair will be eternally grateful you did!

Dr. Meinecke uses state-of-the-art sterilization procedures to ensure patient safety. In addition to comprehensive dental care, you’ll be treated in an ultra-modern dental office utilizing many of today’s latest dental technologies.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.