Home > Dental Conditions > How to Prevent and Remedy Teeth Staining Due to Smoking

How to Prevent and Remedy Teeth Staining Due to Smoking

Many factors can cause teeth stains. Harvard Health Publishing lists a few factors, including coffee, tea, and the topic for today: tobacco.

This key ingredient in cigarettes can seep into teeth enamel, causing stains. Tar, a substance created whenever tobacco is burned, specifically contributes to the browning of your teeth.

To improve your oral health and confidence, here are a few things you can do to prevent and remedy teeth staining because of smoking.

All medical content on this site, including this guide and other product reviews, is written by our team of experienced writers and researchers. All writers from The Toothbrush Expert are recommended and reviewed in the industry. You support us through our editorially chosen links, which earn us commission. Learn more

All of our picks have the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance.

Use alternative nicotine products

Since tobacco and tar are the foremost culprits of teeth discoloration, consider using alternative nicotine products instead of cigarettes. It’s best if these products are tobacco-free, such as nicotine pouches and gum.

A nicotine pouch is an oral product that stays in your mouth for nicotine absorption, and then disposed of after up to an hour of use. The nicotine pouches showcased on Prilla are 100% tobacco-free and come in various strengths ranging from 2mg to 15mg, so you can choose whichever one matches your regular consumption. Another oral product you can try is nicotine gum, which is chewed slowly for nicotine release. The nicotine gum by GlaxoSmithKline similarly does not contain tobacco and comes in two available strengths: 2mg and 4mg. You should expect to consume more gum if you’re a heavy smoker to satisfy your increased need for nicotine.

Ofcourse, it is best to stop using nicotine products at all.

Brush your teeth regularly

Brushing often reduces discoloration by removing any remnants of tobacco and tar from your teeth. After all, the longer these substances stay on your teeth, the better their chances are of causing permanent stains.

Practice brushing your teeth twice a day, as recommended by the American Dental Association. This can be done once in the morning and again in the evening, so it’s easy to remember to do. Finally, don’t forget that each brushing session should last at least two minutes.

Try baking soda as toothpaste

Baking soda has natural whitening properties, making it a popular ingredient in toothpaste. It is a mild abrasive, perfect for removing stains on teeth surfaces. Additionally, it is alkaline. This means that it targets and lightens acid-based stains, such as tobacco.

As such, our post ‘Tips From Dentists to Keep Your Teeth White’ suggests using baking soda as toothpaste. Put a few drops of water in some baking soda and mix until it forms a paste. Apply it onto your toothbrush and brush as you would normally. However, don’t do this daily since it will damage teeth enamel. Three times a week is a safe compromise to follow.

Get your teeth professionally whitened

If you have tougher stains on your teeth, it’s best to get them professionally cleaned and whitened. Dentists and other oral health professionals have a few methods that can reverse teeth discoloration.

One such procedure is teeth bonding. HealthNews explains that teeth bonding is a cosmetic procedure that corrects discoloration, yellowing, and staining. It’s done by affixing a tooth-colored substance made of clay-like plastic onto your teeth. These can last five to fifteen years, making them a semi-permanent teeth-whitening solution. Another procedure is regular in-office teeth whitening. A gel is applied to your teeth, and a laser will activate it, resulting in whiter teeth. Results can last for six months to three years. Professional teeth whitening is a safe and effective way of removing teeth stains from smoking.

Preview
Best Choice
Colgate Optic White Advanced Hydrogen Peroxide Toothpaste, Teeth Whitening Toothpaste Pack, Enamel-Safe Formula, Helps Remove Tea, Coffee, and Wine Stains, Sparkling White, 3 Pack, 3.2 oz
Crest 3D White Brilliance Toothpaste, Vibrant Peppermint, 3.9 Oz (Pack of 3)
Supersmile Whitening Toothpaste with Fluoride - Clinically Proven to Whiten Teeth Up to 6 Shades, Strengthen Enamel - No Sensitivity (Original Mint, 4.2 Oz)
Preview
Colgate Optic White Advanced Hydrogen Peroxide Toothpaste, Teeth Whitening Toothpaste Pack, Enamel-Safe Formula, Helps Remove Tea, Coffee, and Wine Stains, Sparkling White, 3 Pack, 3.2 oz
Crest 3D White Brilliance Toothpaste, Vibrant Peppermint, 3.9 Oz (Pack of 3)
Supersmile Whitening Toothpaste with Fluoride - Clinically Proven to Whiten Teeth Up to 6 Shades, Strengthen Enamel - No Sensitivity (Original Mint, 4.2 Oz)
Flavor
Mint
Vibrant Peppermint
Mint
When do you see result?
After 1 week, (best result after 4 weeks)
after 3 days, (best result after 1 month)
after 5 days, (best result after 1 month)
Rating
-
-
-
Prime
Amazon Prime
Amazon Prime
-
Price
$12.96
$20.60
Price not available
Best Choice
Preview
Colgate Optic White Advanced Hydrogen Peroxide Toothpaste, Teeth Whitening Toothpaste Pack, Enamel-Safe Formula, Helps Remove Tea, Coffee, and Wine Stains, Sparkling White, 3 Pack, 3.2 oz
Preview
Colgate Optic White Advanced Hydrogen Peroxide Toothpaste, Teeth Whitening Toothpaste Pack, Enamel-Safe Formula, Helps Remove Tea, Coffee, and Wine Stains, Sparkling White, 3 Pack, 3.2 oz
Flavor
Mint
When do you see result?
After 1 week, (best result after 4 weeks)
Rating
-
Prime
Amazon Prime
Price
$12.96
Buy Now!
Preview
Crest 3D White Brilliance Toothpaste, Vibrant Peppermint, 3.9 Oz (Pack of 3)
Preview
Crest 3D White Brilliance Toothpaste, Vibrant Peppermint, 3.9 Oz (Pack of 3)
Flavor
Vibrant Peppermint
When do you see result?
after 3 days, (best result after 1 month)
Rating
-
Prime
Amazon Prime
Price
$20.60
Buy Now!
Preview
Supersmile Whitening Toothpaste with Fluoride - Clinically Proven to Whiten Teeth Up to 6 Shades, Strengthen Enamel - No Sensitivity (Original Mint, 4.2 Oz)
Preview
Supersmile Whitening Toothpaste with Fluoride - Clinically Proven to Whiten Teeth Up to 6 Shades, Strengthen Enamel - No Sensitivity (Original Mint, 4.2 Oz)
Flavor
Mint
When do you see result?
after 5 days, (best result after 1 month)
Rating
-
Prime
-
Price
Price not available
Buy Now!

Tobacco in cigarettes causes teeth stains; follow our tips above to prevent and remedy this issue so you can be more confident in your smile.