A person’s smile is often the first thing others notice about them, which is why we like to keep our smiles pearly white. It’s the reason why Americans spend an insane amount of money on their teeth and dental care. Whether it’s with braces, whitening, or even veneers, nowadays people really care about the appearance of their teeth. Unfortunately, many things can stain, wear away, and damage teeth. Tobacco is one of these teeth-staining products. Tobacco is addictive, which makes it hard for those with the habit to keep stainless teeth. They may require prevention methods or even repair to return their teeth to the aesthetic that is highly desired by everyone around the world. While it’s more difficult to remove stains than to prevent them in the first place, it is possible and can even be done from one’s own home.

Why does tobacco stain your teeth?

Two methods of tobacco consumption that are notorious for staining teeth are smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco. Our teeth are porous, meaning that they have lots of little holes that easily trap substances, which in turn stain the teeth. When trapped, burned nicotine and tar can accumulate to make your teeth yellow or brown. Even when you aren’t burning tobacco, it can stain your teeth. Chewing tobacco is even worse for the teeth because it sits in the mouth for a long period of time. Chewing tobacco, and the saliva that gets colored by the chewing tobacco, slosh around your mouth and coat your teeth, filling the pores and getting caught in them as well.

The discoloration is not always even across the teeth. Sometimes, the stains crowd around the gumline. They can also gather around the edges of the teeth. These stains tend to be pretty noticeable and undesirable. Stains occur in these particular areas of the teeth because of tartar build up and receding gums, which both expose the more vulnerable, and more porous, layers under the outer enamel of the teeth.

At first, tobacco stains may be minimal and non-bothersome, however, with continued use of cigarettes or chewing tobacco, the stains will become more severe. As many know, these substances are addictive, so those who use them will continue to use them for years to come. It is because of the prolonged use of tobacco that the teeth stains get out of hand. It is best to start now with prevention methods if you want to avoid the stains that accompany smoking.

How to prevent your teeth from staining?

                        While it’s going to be difficult to prevent future teeth staining from tobacco products if you continue to use these products, there are a few things that can be done to hopefully make the damage not as bad. It’s rather unreasonable to assume that people who have a habit with tobacco products will quit right away out of fear of teeth stains. This is why good dental hygiene is imperative. Brushing and flossing daily is a great way to work toward avoiding future staining. Additionally, you should continue to get dental check-ups to get advice from a dental professional on the state of your teeth. They can also recommend great ways to avoid staining.

            If you enjoy the kick of nicotine but want to live without the stains that tobacco causes to your teeth, a perfect product for you is tobacco-free nicotine pouches. Nicotine pouches are similar to chewing tobacco, but they don’t require any work. You simply place a pouch between your cheek and gum and let the pouch release its nicotine. Because the nicotine isn’t being exposed to oxygen, it remains colorless and won’t stain your teeth. Many nicotine pouches such as RUSH® are completely tobacco free, removing all unwanted extremities that come with tobacco.

Vapes are also a smokeless alternative to tobacco that won’t stain your teeth. Vapes involve inhaling vapor rather than smoke. Both nicotine pouches and vapes come in several flavors that you might just enjoy significantly more than that of cigarettes or chewing tobacco. Perhaps one or both of these options are enjoyable alternatives to tobacco that won’t damage your teeth as much.

How to treat stained tobacco teeth?

Most people don’t consider preventing tooth stains from tobacco until their teeth are already stained. That is why there are several methods of treating tobacco stains. DIY methods that can be done from home are cheap and convenient ways to remove teeth stains. Home remedies include brushing with baking soda combined with either lemon juice, strawberries, or hydrogen peroxide.

Some people also recommend swishing with apple cider vinegar or coconut oil. While all of these methods can help with removing tobacco stains, they can be harmful towards your teeth’s enamel. Due to the acidity of the fruits and the vinegar, your enamel can wear away more rapidly. This is exactly why you must use caution when doing these DIY whitening methods. If you brush with the baking soda mixtures, only brush gently for a short period of time.

Professional whitening, either at-home or with a dentist, is the most effective treatment for tobacco-stained teeth. This whitening technique is often done with whitening gel that goes in a tray to fit the individual’s mouth. You can order these whitening kits online and receive several treatments to do at your own pace. If you have the extra time and money, the safest and most effective whitening method is scheduling a dentist appointment for them to use professional whitening gels and bleaches for your teeth that are sure to remove your unwanted stains.

The Quick Answer: how to remove tobacco stains from your teeth?

            A whiter smile free from tobacco stains is something that is doable and doesn’t have to be expensive. Whether you choose to see a dentist or brush with baking soda, you have several options to get rid of your unwanted teeth stains. In preparation for the future, you can also start now in preventing stains in the first place. Try out nicotine pouches or vapes and be sure to maintain good dental hygiene. Now knowing this, you can ensure that when others see your smile, it will be as clean and stain free as can be.