Smoking leaves yellow stains on teeth, as there are microscopic pores on the tooth enamel. Most of the time, brushing and flossing are not enough to remove smoking stains on teeth. But no worries, there are several treatments besides quitting for getting rid of these stains. This article explains how smoking stains are created and discusses the solutions for removing them. So, stay with us.
What Causes Smoking Stains on Teeth?
Whether it is a cigarette, a cigar, or a chewing tobacco product, these two main ingredients can stain your teeth:
- Nicotine is a colorless and odorless chemical that mixes with oxygen and leaves yellow stains behind.
- Tar is another chemical substance that is believed to be the main cause of yellow teeth from smoking.
What Does Smoking Do to Your Teeth?
It might not seem obvious, but nicotine stains on teeth can lead to more severe issues. Here are just a few of the dental problems these stains cause:
- These stains cause the enamel to wear out over time and expose the layer beneath, turning your teeth even more yellow.
- These stains might irritate or damage your gums. Gum diseases are widespread among smokers, and if left untreated, it leads to tooth loss.
How to Remove Smoking Stains from Teeth?
As we mentioned, there are various approaches to treating smoking stains. However, you should consider the severity of your stains, your budget, and the frequency of the treatment. Generally, there are three options:
Home Remedies
If you have a tight budget and the stains are mild, you could try home remedies with natural ingredients such as strawberries, orange peels, vinegar, and lemon. There are also other DIY remedies, such as brushing your teeth with baking soda and peroxide or mouthwash instead of toothpaste.
You might think that all of these remedies might sound weird, and you are right. If not carried out correctly, these remedies might further hurt the enamel. You should be very careful with them.
Over-the-Counter Options
There are over-the-counter teeth whitening products on the market. However, they might be less effective. If you are considering getting one of these products, consult your dentist first.
Professional Teeth Whitening
Our recommendation for removing nicotine stains on teeth is professional teeth whitening because it is the safest option for everyone. You can have an in-office whitening or take your treatment home.
In-Office Whitening
If you choose the whitening service of a dental office, it will take less than an hour, and you can see the result in one session. However, teeth whitening should not be limited to smoking stains. You can have teeth whitening twice a year as you visit your dentist for the usual check-ups.
At-Home Treatments
If you have significantly stained teeth, your doctor might make a customized tray for your teeth based on their impression and tell you to use it at home. For this whitening method, your dentist will prescribe preventative treatments to protect your enamel.
Where Should You Start Now?
In this article, we discussed the cause, the effects, and the treatment of smoking stains on teeth. If you are considering professional teeth whitening in Orange County, let us introduce Aria dental care:
Aria Dental provides the most powerful and professional whitening service using Zoom whitening, or KoR whitening, deep bleaching system. We also offer take-home Opalescence or Zoom Whitening kits for your comfort. Don’t hesitate to contact us for consultation.
FAQ for Smoking Stains on Teeth
Is smoking bad for your teeth?
Yes, smoking’s effect on your teeth is not limited to stains. You might face other health issues such as enamel damage, tooth decay, tooth loss, gum diseases, and mouth cancer.
How to remove tobacco stains from teeth instantly?
There is no instant way, we’re afraid. Professional teeth whitening is the quickest treatment, taking about an hour.
If I quit smoking, will my teeth get better?
Yes. Quitting smoking dramatically helps with your oral health as well as overall health.
Does vaping make your teeth yellow?
Although not as much as cigarettes, one of the vaping effects on teeth is making them yellow.
