Do you smoke? Or, do you know someone who smokes? If so, then you probably know that cigarettes can cause some severe damage to your teeth – not to mention your lungs. One of the most common side effects of smoking is yellowing or browning of the teeth. This is because tobacco contains chemicals that cause stained teeth over time. Luckily, there are some methods that you can use to lighten or remove tobacco stains from your teeth instantly!
The causes of tobacco stains on teeth
Tobacco stains on teeth are caused by the chemicals found in cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco products. The two main ingredients that cause these stains are tar and nicotine.
- Tar is the substance that makes your teeth turn yellow, and it’s dark in color and can be easily identified. Tar is also a substance that is found on roads, and this is what makes the roads black.
- Nicotine is the chemical that causes an addiction to tobacco products. It’s a substance that has been used for centuries as an insecticide (a pesticide used to kill insects). It is a colorless and odorless chemical compound found in tobacco leaves. Once it enters your body through smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco products, it can cause nicotine stains on the teeth and other more severe dental issues.
Tobacco and tobacco smoke contain both substances, which are how these nicotine stains get on your teeth over time!
The effects of tobacco stains on teeth
The effects of tobacco on teeth can be quite serious. Not only do they make your teeth look less appealing, but they can also lead to other more severe dental problems.
- Tobacco stains cause the enamel (the hard outer layer of your teeth) to wear away over time. This exposes the dentin (a softer layer of your teeth underneath the enamel), which is more yellow. As the dentin starts to show through, your teeth will look increasingly more yellow.
- These stains can also lead to gum disease. This is because the chemicals in tobacco smoke irritate and damage the gums. Gum disease is a serious condition that can cause tooth loss if not treated properly.
How to remove tobacco stains from teeth
Stains on teeth can be tough to remove, but there are a few different ways that you can lighten yellow stains from your teeth almost instantly. The best way is to stop smoking and using other forms of tobacco; however, that’s not always possible for everyone. There are some methods you can use at home if you want results without waiting months or years for the stains to come off naturally!
Good Oral Hygiene
The easiest way is to use a toothbrush and some toothpaste. Get into a dental care routine where you are brushing your teeth with the toothpaste for at least two minutes twice a day, and the tobacco stains will start to disappear. Before brushing, be sure to rinse your mouth out to remove any remaining debris. Be sure to visit your dentist every six months for regular dental cleanings as well.
Baking Soda
Another way to remove stains from teeth is to use baking soda and water. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with eight ounces of water, and swish it around in your mouth for about two minutes. Spit it out, and rinse your mouth with water.
Whitening Toothpaste and Mouthwash
Using over-the-counter products like whitening toothpaste or mouthwash is another way to help with tooth discoloration. These products contain hydrogen peroxide and sodium hypochlorite, which are effective at removing surface-level staining on teeth caused by cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, etc.
Long-Term Solutions
If you are looking for a more instant and long-term solution for removing tobacco stains from tooth enamel, then you may want to consider visiting a dental professional for a teeth whitening treatment. Several procedures can lighten the appearance of even the most severe tobacco stains.
Professional Teeth Whitening Treatments
Professional teeth whitening treatments are the most effective way to remove stains from your teeth, and they are the only option available to get rid of tooth staining instantly. You can try several procedures, including in-office bleaching and take-home kits.
In-Office Bleaching
In-office bleaching is a teeth whitening procedure that’s done at your dentist’s office. It involves applying a protective covering to protect your gums from the whitening solution and then using either hydrogen peroxide solution on top of the teeth for about 30 minutes. This procedure can lighten surface stains by up to six shades in just one visit!
The cost of an in-office tooth bleaching visit will vary depending on various factors like the location of your dentist, the severity of the staining, etc. However, it is generally a relatively affordable procedure, and most dental insurance plans will cover at least part of the cost.
The results of an in-office tooth bleaching treatment will vary depending on how stained your teeth are, how often you smoke or use other tobacco products, and how well you maintain your oral hygiene after the procedure. However, most people will see results that last anywhere from one to three years.
Take-Home Kit
If you want something a bit less intensive, then you may want to consider getting a take-home teeth whitening kit. You’ll be given custom trays that fit over your teeth and come with a professional-strength whitening gel inside them. Whiten for about 30 minutes per day for two weeks, and you’ll see a noticeable difference in the color of your teeth!
The cost of a take-home kit will vary depending on the dentist you go to, but it is also typically a relatively affordable procedure. Most dental insurance plans will cover at least part of the cost.
The results of a take-home kit will also vary, but most people will see results that last for at least a year or two if maintained well.
Visit Eberhardt Dentistry to Safely Remove Tobacco Stains
Eliminating tobacco stains from your teeth can be difficult, but it is not impossible. You can remove even the most severe tobacco stains in just a few short steps and, with the suitable method, almost instantly. For whiter, brighter teeth, give us a call at (330) 836-5585 to set up an appointment with one of our dental professionals at Eberhardt Dentistry!
