Smoking Stains on Teeth — Is There Anything You Can Do?
How to remove tobacco stains from teeth? How effective are teeth whitening treatments? You probably know dental bleaching is one of the ways to go, and if you try it, you will notice the difference as soon as you leave your dentist. But there are a few more things you should know about smokers’ teeth.
How Does Smoking Affect Your Teeth?
We all know that smoking is a bad and dangerous habit. It affects our health and simply wrecks our oral hygiene. Since your teeth are directly exposed to nicotine and tobacco, they will go through a lot, especially if you are a long-time smoker.
One of the first things smokers notice is that their teeth lose their natural color. The color will start going from white to yellowish, and it is even possible for teeth to turn brown. Needless to say, such a change is detrimental to one’s smile and physical appearance. But it is far from being the sole problem. Namely, many people forget the importance of gums. Healthy teeth can’t remain healthy if there is a problem with the gums, and smoking will lead to gum infection, inflammation, and various diseases.
Is It Only Visual?
Maybe someone doesn’t care if their teeth become yellow. The question here is whether nicotine staining is something that only affects the teeth visually or if there is a deeper problem.
Well, for one, smoking can lead to a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream, and the affected gums won’t be able to heal properly. Also, any type of damage to gums can proceed to teeth. If the gums are infected, it is a matter of time before teeth will start being an issue as well. After all, gum disease is one of the most common reasons behind tooth loss.
So, the answer is no — the problem is not only aesthetic. Smoking will affect your teeth in every single way.
Is the Staining Permanent?
Staining will continue as long as you consume tobacco products. It can be chewing tobacco, smoking, vaping, or anything else. As long as nicotine and tobacco are in your system, the situation won’t improve on its own.
Fortunately, there is a simple solution to this problem — you can always quit. You will ameliorate your health as soon as you let go of this dangerous habit, and your oral hygiene will drastically improve.
One of the essential reasons is that your gums will be able to heal properly. But as long as you continue smoking, the only option you have is to lower the risk of gum diseases and to try and minimize the damage.
What Else Can You Do?
The thing everyone would like to know is how to get rid of smoking stains on teeth fast. There are a few methods to approach the situation. As we’ve said, the simplest answer is to stop smoking and wait for your oral health to improve. But if you are not willing to do so, it doesn’t mean that you are out of options.
The first thing you need to do is ask yourself a couple of questions. How much are you willing to spend? How serious is the situation? And how frequently do you want to repeat the process? Generally speaking, you will have three different options. Namely, you can visit your dentist and ask for dental cleanings and professional teeth whitening, you can check out the products to use on your own, or you can try a few DIY remedies at home. So, let’s start from the beginning.
Professional Service
If you don’t mind investing in your teeth, you can talk to your dentist and see what they have to offer. The most common procedure is to paint the teeth with a peroxide solution and then expose them to strong light.
The entire process can last one hour, and it provides excellent results. Professional service is usually the best option since it will eliminate any potential risks. You will get to whiten your teeth without worrying about what might happen during the procedure. Your dentist is experienced in the field, and they know how to approach the problem. Furthermore, they are well aware of your condition and whether a potential teeth whitening product is not good for you.
In-office bleaching can last for a couple of years, and while the price is higher compared to other methods, it offers the best results.
Over-the-Counter Products
The second option is to find a good product that can remove the stains from smoking, and use it at your home. These are available in most drug stores and pharmacies in the United States.
Whitening strips are among the most popular options, and you can use them regularly without causing any damage. You can also try out the mouthwash. Rinsing your mouth will improve your oral hygiene, and it will lower the chances of developing gum disease.
Moreover, there are numerous different products you can check out as well. Whitening toothpaste allows you to slowly remove stains every time you brush your teeth. Of course, the main downside is that these products won’t last as long, and you will need to continue repeating the process if you want your teeth to stay white.
Home Treatments
The most common option for home remedies is hydrogen peroxide combined with baking soda. All you need to do is brush your teeth with the solution, and you’ll be good to go. To create this DIY remedy, you will take baking soda, and add a few drops of hydrogen peroxide until you create a paste.
After that, you will use it to brush your teeth, and ideally, you will repeat the process after each cigarette or tobacco product. You can also rinse your mouth using hydrogen peroxide mixed with water. Just ensure that you properly wash your mouth after each use.
These are just some of the ways to make the best of the situation, but if you decide to quit smoking, all of your problems will disappear on their own.
