Teeth Whitening for Smokers
Dental stains can sometimes make an individual feel self-conscious about their teeth and smile. Teeth whitening is a simple procedure that can lift years of discoloration in a single treatment, making it one of the fastest ways to transform the smile.
Smokers are particularly prone to tooth discoloration. Those who feel insecure about the color of their teeth may benefit from teeth whitening. Teeth whitening can remove surface stains caused by smoking to reveal a brighter, more vibrant smile. Dr. Jean E. Barthman helps rejuvenate smiles with teeth whitening for smokers at her Redwood City, CA, practice. To find out if teeth whitening is right for you, we welcome you to schedule a consultation today.
Smoking and Dental Discoloration
Dental discoloration is a common problem for smokers. With habitual smoking, the teeth tend to become yellow. Long term smokers may even see their teeth stain a deep yellow or brown.
Dental stains frequently develop with smoking as a result of the tobacco, tar, and nicotine found in cigarettes. The extent of staining is often affected by how much someone smokes, how long they’ve been a smoker, and how well they care for their teeth.
In most cases, the stains caused by smoking are extrinsic. Extrinsic stains are also called surface stains. These stains affect the outer layer of the teeth and are generally easily treated with teeth whitening.
How Can Teeth Whitening Help Smokers?
Teeth whitening is a fast and effective way to lift years of dental stains caused by smoking. At our Redwood City practice, Dr. Barthman uses the BriteSmile® in-office teeth whitening system to remove smoking stains and rejuvenate the smile in a single visit.
The BriteSmile teeth whitening system uses a hydrogen peroxide based gel and special light. The combination of light and whitening gel help breakdown stains to make the teeth as much as nine shades lighter in a single treatment.
Maintaining Your Results
Teeth whitening results are not permanent. Continuing to smoke can impact whitening results and cause the teeth to yellow faster. By taking some simple precautions, it’s possible to maintain and prolong whitening results. Some tips to maintain a bright white smile after teeth whitening include:
- Practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing once a day.
- Don’t smoke immediately after teeth whitening treatment or for the first 24 hours.
- Brush the teeth after smoking whenever possible.
- Rinse the mouth with water after smoking if brushing is unavailable.
- Schedule dental exams and cleanings every six months.
- Consider giving up smoking altogether.
- Avoid foods that can discolor the teeth, such as red wine and coffee.
Find Out if Teeth Whitening Is Right for You
Teeth whitening can remove years of dental stains caused by smoking to reveal a more vibrant, bright white smile. For more information about teeth whitening, or to find out if teeth whitening treatment is right for you, call (650) 367-4967 to schedule a consultation with Redwood City dentist Dr. Barthman.