How to Remove Stains on Teeth From Cigarettes

Smoking affects your health and your smile.

Cigarettes are a well-known cause of serious health issues. They also contribute to persistent stains on your teeth. The nicotine and tar contained in cigarettes causes teeth to turn a yellowish-brown color over time. Depending on the type of cigarette and the amount of time you have been smoking, these stains can vary from slight discoloration to heavy stains. In either case, you can lift and diminish stains using both at-home and professional dental whitening procedures.

Things You'll Need

• Whitening toothpaste
• Home whitening kit

Instructions

1. Replace your current toothpaste with one that has a whitening formula. These toothpastes use gentle abrasion and mild bleaching agents to dissolve and exfoliate surface nicotine stains.

2. Brush your teeth immediately after smoking, in addition to brushing after each meal.

3. Purchase a teeth whitening kit from your local pharmacy. These kits can be strips that wrap over your teeth or trays that you place onto the upper and lower set of teeth. Some require overnight application or 30-minute treatments over the course of several days. Select the option that works best for you and follow the manufacturer's directions.

4. Visit your dentist and request a professional cleaning. Nicotine buildup can be reduced during a professional dental cleaning.

5. Ask your dentist about professional whitening options. Depending on your budget, professional whitening can consist of custom teeth trays with dental-grade bleach or UV light treatments. As of November 2010, these procedures range in price from $350 to $1,000.

6. Quit smoking. The most effective way to treat nicotine stains and prevent future discoloration is to stop smoking. Ask your doctor for support and techniques for quitting.

References

• Women's Health Mag: 15 Ways to Whiter Teeth
• Simply Teeth: Staining of Teeth
• Mayo Clinic: Whitening Toothpaste: Does it Whiten Teeth?