How to remove tobacco stains from teeth
Tobacco stains are surface deposits that a dental cleaning can remove, while deeper colour change may need whitening after an examination.
The short answer
A dentist or hygienist can remove tobacco staining with professional cleaning, while whitening may be considered for colour change within the tooth after an oral examination.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
Tobacco smoke and chewing products can leave pigmented deposits in plaque and tartar on enamel. These external stains differ from colour that has penetrated enamel or arisen from dentine, restorations or disease.
What can you do next?
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, clean between teeth and arrange a professional examination and scale-and-polish when deposits remain. Do not scrape teeth with sharp tools or use abrasive powders, which can damage enamel and gum tissue.
When should you seek dental care?
Book care when stains persist, gums bleed, teeth are sensitive or a patch changes quickly. A dentist should assess ulcers, lumps, unexplained bleeding or a sore area that does not heal.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the colour is surface stain or internal discoloration, whether tartar or decay is present, and which cleaning or whitening method fits your enamel, gums and existing fillings.
Frequently asked questions
Can whitening remove tartar?
No. Tartar must be removed by dental cleaning before whitening is considered.
Will whitening change a filling?
Whitening changes natural tooth colour but does not change the colour of an existing filling or crown.