Thanks to a communication campaign in all the media and even on packages concerning its harmful effects on the respiratory system and health in general, almost everyone is now aware of the nuisance of cigarettes. If lung cancer and the encouragement of the appearance of many diseases are often mentioned, its effects of yellowing of the teeth are less discussed. Why do cigarette puffs make teeth more yellow? We will answer this question through this dedicated article.
Summary
Cigarette : a concentrate of toxic substances
You have certainly already heard of the toxic substances contained in cigarettes. These studies are perfectly reliable. Indeed, each puff of this thin tobacco stem contains up to 4000 products potentially dangerous to health. Nicotine and tar therefore represent only a sample of all the toxic components of cigarettes. These components act at several levels of the body. Some attack the lungs, others accumulate in the body through the blood, while others will settle on your teeth and gums to attack them gradually. Cigarettes are therefore a real concentrate of harmful substances that must be avoided as much as possible.
yellowing of teeth
Yellowing of the teeth is a normal phenomenon. It is explained by the progressive staining of the dentin which is a porous material located below the dental enamel. However, in people who smoke, this yellowing occurs in an accelerated manner. The discoloration of the tooth is therefore noticed much more quickly. The tar and the many toxic substances contained in the puffs are mainly implicated in the acceleration of this yellowing. You should also know that nicotine produces changes in the composition of saliva. These changes further encourage the yellowing of the teeth and the appearance of more or less dark spots on the dental walls. These tasks are noticed quite quickly after the first months. They are unsightly and are often accompanied by halitosis, that is, bad breath.
A reversible phenomenon, but more difficult to treat
It is possible to counter the early yellowing of teeth due to smoking. The treatment takes place like bleaching and ordinary scaling. However, it is proven that the treatment of yellowing is more complex and more tedious in people who smoke compared to those in non-smokers. Smokers will therefore be forced to visit the dentist more regularly. Sessions will also be longer than with a non-smoker. This logically generates more costs for smokers. Note, however, that too regular treatment of smokers’ teeth is not always recommended because of their greater fragility.
Stop smoking : the best solution
In general, quitting smoking remains the best solution to fight against yellowing of the teeth. This is because regular treatment will have little effect if you continue to smoke. You must therefore resolve to quit smoking if you want to permanently get rid of stains on your teeth. Today there are many methods and approaches that help you quit smoking effectively and more or less easily. Studies have shown that the effects of yellowing can disappear permanently after smoking cessation. Quitting smoking will also have many positive effects on your body. The significant reduction in cancer risk for you and your loved ones will of course be the biggest gain in addition to several notable benefits. Grandmother’s remedy, baking soda bleach.
