How To Remove Smoking Stains From Teeth? Dentist Shares Tips

Causes Of Smoking Stains

A cigarette has two main ingredients: Tar and Nicotine. Each of these two contribute to the discoloration and degradation of your teeth:

Tar

Yes, it is the same tar they use on roads, and the same tar that colours the road black and binds it together. Imagine taking that tar in for years as smoke multiple times a day. It is bound to discolour your teeth and slowly but surely, mark its territory as stains on your teeth. 

Nicotine

Nicotine is the same substance that was used as insecticide for years. It is what makes smoking so addictive. It is a colorless and odorless chemical compound that occurs naturally in tobacco leaves. When it enters your body while readily smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco products, it can stain your teeth with nicotine and cause other more serious dental problems.

Also Read: Do Wisdom Teeth Actually Make Your Jaw Bigger? Dentist Separates Fact from Myth 

 

How To Remove Smoking Stains From Teeth? 

Dr. Soma Shiwani, Consultant Dental Surgeon at Tirath Ram Shah Hospital, New Delhi shares some helpful tips as to how one can remove the stains from the teeth:

Quit Smoking

Yes, it is that obvious. Dr Soma says without quitting smoking, there is no point in trying to remove the stains as they will always form back. The best way to get rid of them permanently is to make sure you stop smoking at the earliest, she suggests.

Maintain Oral Hygiene

Once you have quit smoking, maintaining a healthy oral hygiene should be easier. Brushing two times a day for a couple of minutes is the basics, Dr Soma says. “Flossing, not eating sugary and sticky food also goes a long way,” she adds.  

Baking Soda

A different method for staining removal from the teeth is to use baking soda and water. “Combine one tablespoon of baking soda with eight ounces of water and swish it around in your mouth for around two minutes. Spit it out and rinse your mouth with water,” Dr Soma suggests.

Bleaching

Bleaching is a teeth whitening procedure performed in-office by your dentist. “It includes applying a protectant to prevent the gums from coming into contact with the bleaching agent, then applying either hydrogen peroxide solution or some other form of whitening agent on the teeth for approximately 30 minutes,” says Dr Soma.  In-office procedures can lighten surface stains by an impressive six shades in just one visit. 

The cost of an in-office tooth bleaching visit can vary depending on the location of your dentist, how much staining you have, etc. in general, the price is a fairly inexpensive procedure.

Take-Home Kit

If you're looking for something a little less serious, perhaps a take-home teeth whitening kit could work for you. “You will receive custom trays that fit your teeth with professional-strength whitening gel within them. You whiten for about 30 minutes per day for 2 weeks, and you'll notice a difference in the color of your teeth,” Dr Soma explains. The cost of a take-home kit will vary depending on the dentist, but it is usually a fairly inexpensive procedure as well.

Also Read: Can Your Wisdom Tooth Treat Diseases? Study Answers 

Conclusion

Teeth staining can be embarrassing. And, it can often give people the idea that you do not maintain a good oral hygiene, which even though you might be religiously doing and yet the smoking overpowers it. Although the stains could be removed or at least lessened with the tips above, one should never smoke in the first place.