Can you Whiten Your Teeth If You Chew Tobacco?

The teeth whitening world is confusing and filled with technical terms and promises often unfulfilled if you don’t know what you’re doing. One of the most common questions we’ve heard at our teeth whitening clinics is, “Can you whiten your teeth if you chew tobacco?” The answer is a bit complicated, but here’s what you need to know.

Chewing tobacco, also known as ‘chew’ or ‘dip,’ has been used for centuries by people worldwide. It is an inexpensive way of consuming nicotine without having to smoke it. While it has some health benefits, such as reducing stress and anxiety, it also comes with serious risks, such as teeth discoloration, gum disease, bad breath, and even cancer. But that doesn’t mean you can’t whiten your teeth if you chew tobacco. Here’s what you need to know about teeth whitening if you chew tobacco.

Can You Whiten Your Teeth If You Chew Tobacco?

The answer is yes, but it will take more effort than for someone who does not chew tobacco. The main issue is the tar and nicotine found in chewing tobacco, both highly pigmented substances that can stain teeth over time. Therefore, when attempting to whiten teeth with chewers, special attention needs to be paid to removing the tar and nicotine stains.

Types of Teeth Whitening Treatments for Chewers

There are a few teeth whitening treatments available for chewers that are more effective than others. Professional teeth whitening at a clinic is usually the best option, as it allows the teeth whitening experts to customize a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Another viable option is over-the-counter teeth whitening kits, which can be used at home with varying degrees of success depending on how heavily stained your teeth are.

Professional Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening involves bleaching agents being applied directly onto the teeth by an experienced dentist or dental hygienist. This treatment can be done in a few visits, and the results are often dramatic, with teeth becoming dramatically lighter after just a single session. The professional teeth whitening process is also quite safe and effective for chewers. It involves using special gels to penetrate deep into teeth and remove tar and nicotine stains.

Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Kits

Over-the-counter teeth whitening kits are another option for chewers looking to get their teeth white without visiting a clinic. These kits typically involve tray systems or strips containing peroxide, which help lighten teeth over time. Depending on how heavily stained your teeth are, multiple applications may be needed to achieve the desired results. Additionally, these kits may be less effective for chewers due to nicotine and tar stains being more deeply embedded in teeth.

Home Remedies

Some simple home remedies can help whiten teeth if you chew tobacco. Baking soda is an effective teeth whitener used for centuries and is still a popular choice. Mix baking soda with water and brush your teeth with the mixture twice a day for the best results. Another home remedy involves using coconut oil to brush teeth which helps to break down plaque buildup and remove any surface stains on teeth. Additionally, apple cider vinegar can be used as a mild teeth-whitening agent and is especially effective when combined with baking soda.

Conclusion

In conclusion, teeth whitening is possible for chewers, but it will take extra effort to remove the tar and nicotine stains that build up over time. Professional teeth whitening treatments are typically the best option as they are more effective and less likely to cause damage to teeth than over-the-counter kits or home remedies. Additionally, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing teeth twice a day and flossing regularly to keep teeth white after teeth whitening treatments.

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