There are many issues associated with smoking, including some serious health problems. Many of these problems are associated with oral health and they include gum disease and oral cancer. All smokers are encouraged to give up smoking in order to reduce their risk of developing the health issues associated with the habit; many succeed. One of the issues that many smokers have a problem with lingers even after you have stopped smoking; that issue is tobacco stained teeth.
It’s not easy to remove these stains from your teeth; it takes patience and effort. Even using several different teeth whitening products it can take weeks, or even months, before your teeth are back looking white and shiny. It’s also worth noting that the damage you can do to your mouth when you smoke often needs to be repaired with the use of other dental treatments. We are going to take a look at how tobacco stains your teeth and what you need to do to get rid of the stains.
How does tobacco stain your teeth?
There are two substances responsible for making the stains on your teeth when you smoke; nicotine and tar. If you were to look at nicotine in isolation it would not have any colour, but it turns yellow when it mixes with oxygen. Once nicotine and tar have settled in your mouth they seep through the enamel on your tooth and stain the surface of the tooth itself. It’s important to note that the yellowish brown stain is on the outer layer of the tooth which is why it can be removed.
How to remove tobacco stains from your teeth
One of the easiest ways of keeping your teeth from getting stained by tobacco is not to smoke. Of course, many people do not find it easy to stop smoking. If you do smoke then it’s really important to pay attention to your dental hygiene. You should:
- Brush your teeth twice a day.
- Floss once a day.
- Use an antiseptic mouthwash each day.
- Rinse your mouth after having a cigarette, if you cannot brush straight away.
- Have regular dental check-ups.
If you have staining on your teeth as the result of smoking then you may be tempted to try and whiten them yourself, but you have to be careful as many home remedies can be very abrasive and can damage your teeth. Over the counter whitening strips are not very good if you want to thoroughly whiten your teeth.
Your best option is to undergo professional teeth whitening. This process will eventually remove tobacco stains from your teeth. It’s important to note that this type of stain is really stubborn and even if you get a professional to whiten your teeth it can take time to work. Whether you choose an in office whitening service or custom trays, it can take a few weeks to achieve the result you want. It’s worth the wait when you have striking white teeth again.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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