Sparkling white teeth are treasures that unfortunately some people do not cherish..
White teeth make it possible to smile and talk to people with more confidence. It’s also one of the factors that has a significant impact on individual character. On that note, well-nurtured teeth can either make or break people’s impressions of others.
Believe it or not, you’re teeth have a lot to do with getting a job. Twenty-eight percent of young adults see that their poor oral condition contributed to their failure to get employed. Additionally, 22 percent of them avoid gatherings because they’re embarrassed about their teeth.
For all these reasons, it’s really important for you to take care of your dental health. If you do smoke cigarettes and/or use other substances that contain nicotine, you’re at risk of various oral health problems. It’s why we’ve made this article for you to avoid such a risk. In this write-up, we will talk about the following:
- What are nicotine stains and how do you get them?
- What is gum damage?
- What are the symptoms of gum damage?
- What are the ways to remove nicotine stains and whiten your teeth?
What Are Nicotine Stains and How Do You Get Them?
Nicotine stains are characterized by the gradual discoloration of the teeth. At its early stage, they will cause your teeth to look a little bit yellowish to completely yellow. As it worsens, your teeth will rot and will eventually look blackened or browned.
Aside from its unsightly color, nicotine stains will make your breath rancid. A person who has stained teeth will have this sour breath that smells a bit similar to smoke. At close proximity, the odor is enough for a person to turn his head away from a person inflicted with this dental condition and who’s speaking.
So how do you get nicotine stains? Its primary cause is the periodic or excessive use of cigarettes. Eating and chewing nicotine-based products are also another cause. The effects manifest slower for those who diligently brush their teeth than those who have poor oral hygiene.
Unfortunately, nicotine staining doesn’t only happen on your the teeth.. It also happens on your nails and hair. Nails stained with nicotine look brownish or yellow. The same goes for the hair and makes it look lifeless and dull.
What is Gum Damage?
Nicotine stains on the teeth are a red flag for dentists. This is because they bring risks that could really affect your oral health. One common result of nicotine stains is gum damage. In the field of dentistry, gum damage can be really harmful because it may evolve into more severe dental conditions.
Gum damage is characterized by the inflammation and bleeding of the gums. This is primarily caused by the build-up of plaque or other harmful substances like nicotine stains.
Aside from what I’ve mentioned above, gum damage may also be caused by:
- Hormonal changes
- Illnesses such as HIV, diabetes, and cancer
- Medications
- Genes
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum damage while periodontitis is its severe form. Gingivitis may be remedied using DIY treatments while periodontitis requires the help of a professional.
What Are The Symptoms of Gum Damage?
The first symptom of gum damage is red swollen gums. Healthy gums tend to have this light pink color which makes the teeth look really attractive. Damaged gums, on the other hand, have this dark and thick unsightly appearance, and look like they are about to cover the teeth.
The second symptom of gum damage is bleeding. This regularly manifests while you’re brushing or eating something hard.
With time, damaged gums will make your teeth look longer. When the gums are not in good condition for while, they will start to recede and exposes the areas of the teeth that were once covered.
You should consult a dentist immediately if you have all these symptoms.
What Are The Ways to Remove Nicotine Stains & Whiten Teeth?
Don’t worry if you’re teeth are already stained with nicotine! There are a lot of different treatments that you may use to reverse it. Here, we will talk about some simple methods for you to whiten your teeth and get rid of your nicotine stains.
Consult A Dentist
The most effective way for your teeth to look healthy and sparkling again is to consult a dentist. This option will only work if you have the budget or currently registered on a dental plan. During a teeth cleaning session, the dentist will remove all those pesky nicotine stains using a scaler or more advanced methods. Aside from this, he may even give you extra medication to prevent your teeth from becoming stained again.
Over the Counter: Teeth Whitening Kits
If you can’t afford the services of dentists or are fearful of them, then going for teeth whitening kits over the counter will help. There are lots of online stores nowadays that sell affordable and high quality teeth whitening products which are really effective. Most of their products are top-notch and won’t betray your needs.
Most of the home teeth whitening kits contain gel using hydrogen peroxide, also called carbamide peroxide. Once applied directly on your teeth, and coupled with a LED light, they can give you dramatic results and remove any nicotine stains.
Be aware that when not choosing wisely, they can also irritate your gums and tooth enamel so if you go for this option, we highly recommend you to ALWAYS use teeth whitening kits especially designed for sensitive teeth, that do not damage your gum or teeth, and always include a remineralizing step.
Do It Yourself Treatments
Trying DIY treatments is another option. After all, professional dentists say that some essential tools for dental health are inside your kitchen! DIY treatments will help you to save money since all you have to do is to make them yourself using cheap ingredients that are readily available.
One simple DIY treatment is to add a pinch of salt to your toothpaste every time you brush your teeth. Salt crystals will scrape those nicotine stains on your teeth. The effect won’t show up immediately but do this regularly and you’ll eventually see the results.
Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda will work too. Mixing these two together will give you a paste that will soften the nicotine stains on the teeth. All you have to do is to apply the paste on your teeth by dipping your toothbrush and brushing away.
Lastly, charcoal might also help you. Charcoal has a black dirty looking color but is really good at whitening the teeth. Wrap a few pieces of charcoal in paper and crush them using a hammer (you can also directly buy charcoal powder at the drugstore). Once done, you can make a DIY toothpaste by mixing the charcoal powder with your regular toothpaste. Brush your teeth with this mixture at least once a day for few weeks to see some improvements.
Final Thoughts
Nicotine stains on teeth are one disadvantage that you’ll be experiencing if you do smoke. However, preventing them is possible. If already there, nicotine stains may also be reversed quickly when treated early with DIY treatment or over-the-counter teeth whitening products. Just keep a good dental hygiene and follow the tips mentioned here to keep your teeth healthy and white while you quit smoking 😉
