Smoking is hazardous to health. You’ve probably heard this a hundred million times by now. You must also be aware that smoking also causes yellow teeth and stains. Par isko hataye kaise? In this article, we’ll cover how smoking damages your teeth and show you 8 remedies to remove these smoke stains.
Let’s start from the top…
How Does Nicotine Damage Your Teeth?
Smoking causes your teeth to turn yellow or even yellowish brown over time. But how?
Nicotine and tar are the primary causes of this. Tooth discolouration in smokers is very common. Just like your skin, your teeth too have micropores. Smoking causes nicotine and tar to enter into the enamel of your teeth through these microscopic holes, discolouring them. The tar gives the teeth a brown tint, while the nicotine causes yellowing when it reacts with oxygen.Â
But the damage caused by smoking isn’t restricted to your teeth, the problem spreads all over your mouth.
9 Other Oral Problems Caused By Smoking
People who smoke have an increased chance of getting gum diseases, tooth loss, complications after teeth removal and oral surgery, and mouth cancer. They are more prone to infections and heal slower than non-smokers.
Common problems affecting people who smoke are:
- Gum disease (or periodontal disease) is a condition that affects the teeth and gums
- Mouth cancer
- Smoker’s keratosis or whitening of the soft tissue in the mouth
- After tooth extraction, the wound heals slowly (known as dry socket)
- Tooth decay
- Tooth loss
- Loss of taste
- Bad taste in the mouth and bad breath (called halitosis)
Are you fixated on the tobacco stains? Badhai ho because the good news is that they’re easy to get rid of. The stain removal method you choose is determined by how bad your stains are, your budget, and the frequency with which you need to treat them. The effectiveness of these is also influenced by the existing dental applications like braces, trays or veneers.
Here are some possible stain removal methods for your teeth.
8 Remedies To Remove Smoke Stains
Let’s start with some DIY. If you’re on a budget or believe your teeth are only slightly discoloured, you might try these at-home remedies:
1. Guava Leaf Paste
Guava leaf paste includes flavonoids and phenols that fight oxidative stress caused by various germs that discolour your teeth. To make this paste, crush 1 or 2 guava leaves till a coarse paste is formed. Rub this on your teeth and keep it on for a few minutes before rinsing it off and brushing your teeth again with just your toothpaste.
2. Orange Peel Scrub
The acidic element of orange peel scrub whitens teeth while simultaneously acting as an antibacterial agent. Brush your teeth with simply your toothpaste for a minute or two after rubbing the inside of an orange peel on your teeth for a minute or two.
Read: How To Brush Teeth The “Right’ Wat, By A Dental Surgeon
3. Apple Cider Vinegar Infused With Lemon
Another natural DIY solution for tooth whitening is apple cider vinegar mixed with lemon. Dip your toothbrush in a mixture of 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 4 drops of lemon juice. After that, make sure to rinse well. Too much apple cider vinegar might harm your tooth enamel, so just use it once or twice a week.
4. Strawberry
Malic acid and ascorbic acid, both of which are found in strawberries, can fade stains. Apply a mixture of 1 strawberry and 1 teaspoon of baking soda to your teeth, leave it on for a few minutes, rinse it off, and then brush your teeth again with just your normal toothpaste.
5. Baking Soda & Peroxide
This is one of the most popular home remedies for removing cigarette stains from teeth. Mix together 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide. You’ll end up with a paste after combining these two. Brush your teeth with this paste. Simply add some water to produce a mouthwash with the same ratio.
Excessive contact to the chemicals in baking soda can also wear down your tooth enamel, causing sensitivity. So only use this just 2 to 3 times per week.
6. Mouthwash
Simple as it sounds, keep the mouthwash in your mouth after brushing your teeth. Use an antimicrobial mouthwash for the best results.
Read: 10 Signs You’re Not Drinking Enough Water
7. Teeth Whitening Dental Products
While many over-the-counter tooth whitening treatments may give successful results for some people, they may not be for everyone. Consult your dentist before purchasing a kit to know and understand which over-the-counter whitening treatment will work best for you. This is to ensure that the OTC whitening procedure you choose will not inflame any existing dental issues, cause new ones, or interfere with any current dental treatments you may be receiving.
8. Professional Teeth Whitening
If you’ve tried DIY cures and haven’t had much luck, a trip to the dentist may be in order. This is especially true if you have been a long-term smoker.
Because smoke stains your teeth so severely, you won’t be able to keep them white for very long using over-the-counter solutions. Professional whitening procedures are quick and effective. While home whitening methods can take weeks to work, teeth whitening operations only take 45 minutes to an hour, and the results can be seen after only one visit to the dentist. Furthermore, because teeth whitening includes the removal of stains caused by smoking, your teeth will appear, feel, and function considerably better.
Dentist-supervised teeth whitening treatments typically have a lower bleaching strength but employ stronger gels, requiring fewer gel applications and thus being safer for your teeth. Before whitening, your dentist will recommend preventative procedures to improve your enamel.
Is there a way to avoid smoking stains? Yes, there is! Quit smoking. But…
4 Tips To Keep In Mind To Keep Away Stains After Quitting Smoking
If you’re wondering “Will my teeth stains go away when I quit smoking?”, the answer is yes. Even if you’ve been a smoker for a long time, quitting can improve your oral health dramatically. Your lungs and immune system will thank you for quitting smoking by remaining healthy and functional for a longer period of time.
You can quit smoking by following these simple steps:
- Stay away from people and places where you know you’ll be tempted to smoke.
- Keep yourself occupied. Keeping yourself occupied and distracted might also help you control your urges.
- To lower cravings and make quitting smoking easier, use a nicotine patch or nicotine gum.
- Remind yourself why you’re quitting all the time.
Did this article clear up why smoking stains your teeth? If you’re facing the same troubles, with these remedies a beautiful smile is not far away. #BeALittleMore health conscious and take a step towards a healthy lifestyle today. Follow the methods given above and see the difference for yourself.
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