The tobacco chemicals create a sticky film that traps food debris and bacteria, which leads to enamel wear that exposes softer, easily stained layers underneath, gum disease that reveals more tooth surface for pigments to attack, persistent bad breath from bacterial buildup, and extra plaque and tartar that lock stain molecules in place
Swauger warned that, if the FDA were to go as far as banning colors, consumers wouldnt be able to distinguish between brands, and manufacturers could be limited to one type of cigarette per brand because theyd have no other way to distinguish their products
"It is deeply disappointing that the FDAs rule to prohibit menthol cigarettes was not finalized in a timely manner and has now been withdrawn," the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids said in a statement
However, given that plain packaging legislation will most likely be introduced alongside larger health warnings similar to those on the Australian plain packs, using these plain packs increases the ecological validity of the study