How Do You Get Cigarette Tar Off Your Teeth?

Cigarette tar can leave stubborn stains on your teeth, which makes them yellow or brown with time. These stains affect your self-confidence greatly. However, the main concern is that stains can signal severe underlying dental issues.  

Quitting smoking is nevertheless the best and most effective way to get rid of the stains permanently. But, if your teeth are already stained by cigarette tar, you need to follow some separate procedures. 

From home remedies to professional treatments, you can try anything to remove the tar. In this blog, you will get more information on this. 

Why Does Cigarette Tar Stain Teeth?

Cigarette tar and nicotine create deep stains due to their strong adhesive properties. Want to know how they affect your teeth?

• Tar is dark and sticky. It can easily cling to enamel.
• When exposed to oxygen, nicotine can turn yellow. This worsens the discoloration.
• Porous tooth enamel absorbs stains easily and makes it difficult to remove them.
• Plaque and tartar buildup easily trap tar and nicotine. This can lead to long-term tooth discoloration. 

The longer you smoke, the harder it becomes to eliminate these stains. That’s why regular stain removal methods are crucial.

At-Home Remedies for Removing Cigarette Stains

If your stains are mild to moderate, try these home treatments to get off the tar:

Baking Soda & Hydrogen Peroxide

• Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda with a few drops of hydrogen peroxide.
• Brush with this mixture gently for two minutes.
• Use this once or twice a week to avoid enamel damage.

Whitening Toothpaste for Smokers

• With mild abrasives and peroxide-based, these toothpastes can break down cigarette stains.
• Remember to brush two times daily for a better result. 

Activated Charcoal

• Gently absorbs surface stains and helps detoxify your mouth.
• Dip a damp toothbrush in activated charcoal powder and brush for 1-2 minutes.
• Rinse thoroughly and repeat twice a week.

Oil Pulling with Coconut Oil

• Take 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth and swish it for 10-15 minutes.
• Spit it out and rinse it with water.
• It may help reduce plaque buildup and mild staining.

Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

• Dilute one part apple cider vinegar with two parts of water.
• Swish for 30 seconds, then rinse with water.
• Use carefully, as it can erode enamel over time.

Professional Treatments for Stubborn Stains

For removing deep, and long-term stains, visit a cosmetic dentist. What are the cosmetic dentistry options for removing cigarette tar?

Professional Teeth Whitening

Dentists use strong bleaching agents to break down stubborn tar stains. With one session, you can lighten your teeth by several shades. 

Dental Cleaning

Professional dental cleaning helps remove plaque, tartar, and some surface stains from teeth. Scheduling this frequently might give you some relief if you are a constant smoker. 

Veneers

These are thin porcelain covers that mask deep stains. This is a long-term solution in case your stains are stubborn. 

How to Prevent Future Stains?

Once your teeth are clean, here’s how to keep them that way:

• Quit smoking, the best way to stop new stains from forming.
• Use a straw when drinking coffee, tea, or soda to minimize staining.
• Rinse your mouth after smoking to wash away tar and nicotine.
• Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots to naturally clean teeth.

Cigarette tar stains can be frustrating. But with the right approach, you can get rid of them for good. However, quitting smoking altogether comes first on the priority list. Try these home remedies and if they do not satisfy you, go for professional treatments. 

Frequently Asked Questions