How to Remove Smoking Stains from Teeth at Home

Smoking stains on teeth can be unsightly and embarrassing. Getting rid of them doesn't always have to involve expensive whitening treatments in a dental office.

The first step in both removing and preventing tobacco stains on the teeth is to follow a strict and thorough oral hygiene regimen. By removing tartar and plaque from the teeth, cigarette stains won't adhere to the enamel as easily. When tartar is on the teeth it creates a sticky film, which provides a better environment for bacteria to grow and staining agents to settle on. As the tartar hardens, it will need to be scraped away rather than brushed and flossed away.

Adequate oral hygiene means brushing at least twice a day and flossing once a day. Mouth rinses, such as whitening mouth wash, may also help remove tartar build-up and staining.

Whitening the teeth can rid them of tobacco stains as well. There are essentially three ways to safely whiten teeth at home: baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and manufactured whitening products. Many whitening products may contain baking soda and/or peroxide as well.

Beware using homemade whitening mixtures. Because baking soda and peroxide can scratch teeth or damage enamel, store-bought whitening formulas are usually the safer choice. To use baking soda, mix one half teaspoon with your toothpaste once a day. Brush as usual with this paste mixture.

To use hydrogen peroxide, mix one teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide with three teaspoons of water and rinse it around your mouth for one minute. Spit it out, then rinse thoroughly with water to get rid of any acidic residue that may be remaining on your teeth. Do not rinse with peroxide for too long; acidic materials weaken enamel, making it more porous and apt to stain.

Store-bought whitening kits vary, but generally they involve trays or strips that you leave on your teeth for a set amount of time. The materials in the trays/strips dehydrate the teeth, pulling out the staining agents in the process. The enamel may be more porous and sensitive during this time, so avoid smoking right after using these products; your teeth may be more likely to stain while you are using bleaching products.

Rinsing your mouth out with water after smoking may help prevent some staining caused by smoking. Rinsing gets rid of the bacteria and material that cause enamel staining.

Regular dental cleanings can get rid of long-term stains. For stains that resist home treatment and regular dental cleanings, you may have to undergo professional bleaching to get rid of them.

Remember that by using whitening strips, baking soda and/or peroxide as part of your daily oral hygiene regimen, as well as thoroughly brushing and flossing teeth daily, you can remove tobacco stains from your teeth.

Sources:

"Tooth Whitening Treatments," American Dental Association.

"Home Stain Guide," American Dental Association.