Cigarettes smoking cause discoloration of the teeth and lip color

The side effects such as discoloration of the teeth and lip color caused by smoking can be changed by bringing about a few simple lifestyle changes which will enable prevention of teeth discoloration. One can also prevent the side effects of smoking by improving dental hygiene.

If discoloration of teeth appears to be of an abnormal color without a logical explanation and, if other symptoms are also present, it is advisable to see the dentist at the earliest.

Discoloration of the lip is another area that needs care and attention to regain the natural color.

Symptoms of Smoking on teeth and lips:

Apart from discoloration of the teeth and lip, smoking cigarettes or cigars can cause a number of other oral symptoms and side effects which include:
Sticky tar deposits
Brown tooth stains
Red inflammation on the roof of the mouth
Delayed healing of the gums
Chronic bad breath
More tooth decay than non smokers

Smoking reduces the flow of saliva

The symptoms are gross manifestations of the biological changes occurring in the body due to continuous addiction to smoking. Here are some key reasons that could lead to teeth discoloration:

Saliva is important for cleaning the lining of the mouth and teeth and protects teeth from decay. Smoking reduces the flow of saliva and thus handicaps its key function.
Smoking reduces blood flow to the gums and cuts the supply of vital nutrients.
Vitamin C helps gums to stay healthy. Smoking reduces the level of vitamin C drastically.
Together, a reduced blood flow and diminishing vitamin C level, make treatment of gum disease in smokers a difficult proposition.
Smoking also raises the mouth's temperature, damaging and killing important oral tissue cells.

Other causes other than smoking that lead discoloration of the teeth are:
Several diseases that affect enamel (the hard surface of the teeth) and dentin (the underlying material under enamel) can lead to tooth discoloration.

Treatments for certain conditions can also affect tooth color. For example, head and neck radiation and chemotherapy can cause teeth discoloration.

Mouth rinses and washes containing chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride can also stain teeth.

Antihistamines (like Benadryl), antipsychotic drugs, and antihypertensive medications also cause teeth discoloration.

Excessive fluoride either from environmental sources (naturally high fluoride levels in water) or from excessive use (fluoride applications, rinses, toothpaste, and fluoride supplements taken by mouth) can cause teeth discoloration.

Reduce intake of coffee and cigarettes.