Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Whitening your teeth at home
• Method 2 of 3: Get professional help
• Method 3 of 3: Understand how nicotine affects your teeth
• Tips
• Warnings

Many smokers suffer from yellow teeth. These spots can be embarrassing and can take a toll on your confidence. There are also other side effects, such as mouth problems. Don't worry, because you're not alone if your yellow teeth stop you laughing. There are several steps you can take to fade the yellow discoloration on your teeth.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Whitening your teeth at home

1. Use a whitening toothpaste. Go to the drug store and look for a toothpaste specifically designed to whiten your teeth. Such toothpaste fades stains on the tooth surface, such as stains caused by smoking. Often a whitening toothpaste contains chemicals that dissolve the stains.
   • Ask your dentist which brand he recommends. Note that some toothpastes can make your teeth more sensitive.
2. Consider using strips and flushes. In addition to toothpaste, there are other over-the-counter remedies that can help fade nicotine stains on your teeth. Buy whitening strips and follow the directions on the package. You can choose from strips that dissolve in your mouth and strips that you have to remove from your teeth after a certain time. Using whitening strips is a good and inexpensive way to whiten your teeth.
3. Use natural ingredients. Many home remedies - especially in the kitchen - have natural bleaching properties. Lemon juice can be used as a natural bleaching agent and can make your teeth shine and look clean. Mix a little lemon juice with water and rinse your mouth with the mixture.
   • You can also make a paste with baking soda and strawberries. Simply puree two to three strawberries and mix them with a quarter teaspoon of baking soda. Use a toothbrush to cover your teeth with the paste. After five minutes, rinse your mouth with water. These ingredients will help whiten your yellow teeth.
   • There are also certain foods that you should avoid. Drinking too much coffee, cola and red wine can make nicotine stains on your teeth even more discolored. So try not to drink these drinks.
4. Rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide. Another well-known household whitening agent is hydrogen peroxide. Dilute a small amount (less than 30 ml) of hydrogen peroxide with water and rinse your mouth with it. After a few seconds, spit out the rinse aid and rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. This rinse aid is an easy way to fade the yellow stains on your teeth.
   • Another way to whiten and shine your teeth is to keep mouthwash in your mouth and brush your teeth at the same time. Push the toothbrush through your mouth between your closed lips. So you brush your teeth with mouthwash. You will be amazed at the result.
5. Have patience. Nicotine stains are often more difficult to remove than discolored spots caused by foods and other causes such as medicines or root canal treatment. Because nicotine stains are so persistent, it can take longer to get rid of them completely. Know that it can take two to three months to see results. Don't give up if your teeth don't whiten right away.

Method 2 of 3: Get professional help

1. Be careful when choosing a dentist. Many people don't like to go to the dentist. However, if you research ahead of time and find a dentist who will give you peace of mind, you will likely feel a lot more comfortable. Ask your friends and family which dentist they recommend. You can also search the internet for experiences of other patients. Make sure you choose a dentist who listens to you and explains all of your options thoroughly.
2. Get laser treatment. Your dentist may recommend laser treatments to remove nicotine stains on your teeth and whiten your teeth. In such a treatment, a solution of hydrogen peroxide is applied to your teeth and your teeth are exposed to very strong light. A laser treatment is painless and takes 15 minutes to an hour.
3. Get your teeth bleached chemically. During this treatment, your dentist will bleach your teeth with a bleach. Sometimes you get a mouthguard and an amount of whitening gel to take home. Your dentist will tell you to wear the mouthguard for a set amount of time every day. Your dentist may also whiten your teeth during the appointment itself. In any case, this way of bleaching is painless.
   • Know the risks. One of the most common side effects is very sensitive teeth. Ask your dentist about this. In some cases, the tooth structure can weaken and your teeth can become small cracks or small pieces break off. This depends on the bit and the strength of the whitening gel.
4. Consider veneers. Veneers are film-thin porcelain shields that are applied to your teeth, so that it looks like you have healthy and white teeth. The dentist will remove a bit of enamel, put a layer of glue on your teeth and then apply the veneers. Such treatment is considered one of the best ways to get whiter and more radiant teeth. Moreover, there can be no stains on facings. Ask your dentist whether veneers are available for you.
   • There are also veneers for which the dentist does not have to remove tooth enamel and which can be applied in this way. However, these veneers cannot be applied to everyone, so ask your dentist whether your teeth are suitable for them.
   • There are also composite veneers, which are less expensive than porcelain veneers. These facings are made of composite resin, or tooth-colored filling material.
5. Think about your budget. A dental appointment can be expensive. Even if you have dental insurance, your insurance may not cover bleaching because it is considered a cosmetic treatment. Call your insurer to see which treatments are reimbursed. Then contact your dentist to inquire about the cost of the treatment you are interested in.
   • When you know how much money to spend to get rid of your nicotine stains, you can start determining your budget. You may be able to agree on a payment arrangement with your dentist. If that is not possible, try to find a way to raise the money anyway.

Method 3 of 3: Understand how nicotine affects your teeth

1. Learn about discoloration. Nicotine can make your teeth yellow quickly. It does not matter whether you smoke cigarettes or chew tobacco. Nicotine and tar will then end up in the very small cracks in your tooth enamel, causing your teeth to discolour.
   • Nicotine has been proven to promote plaque build-up, which can make tartar and bad breath more likely.
2. Know that you are at risk for dental disease. Besides discoloration, nicotine can affect your teeth and gums in other ways. You are more likely to get cavities, gum disease and certain types of oral cancer. All these ailments can make your teeth less healthy.
3. Maintain good oral hygiene. One way to prevent your teeth from turning yellow is to take good care of your teeth. Maintaining good oral hygiene means brushing your teeth at least twice a day. Use a whitening toothpaste and a soft toothbrush. Brush your teeth vigorously, but also be careful.
   • Flossing is also important. Make sure to floss your teeth once a day. This will allow you to remove the accumulated dirt between your teeth.
4. Try to quit smoking. The best way to prevent your teeth from turning yellow is to stop using nicotine. It can be very difficult to quit smoking, but there are many methods you can try. Try quitting aids such as gum and nicotine patches. There are also prescription medications that can help with addiction. Ask your doctor for help choosing a safe and effective method.

Tips

• Try different methods of whitening your teeth. You may have to try multiple methods to find one that works for you.

Warnings

• Ask your dentist for advice before attempting to whiten your teeth at home.