Cigars cause discoloration of the teeth, primarily on the outer surfaces of the enamel. These stains are classified as extrinsic, forming when pigmented compounds from the cigar adhere to the tooth’s outer layer. The two main components responsible for this effect are the tar and the nicotine present in the cigar smoke. These substances interact with the porous structure of the tooth surface, leading to visible changes in color over time.
The Chemical Mechanism of Cigar Staining
The discoloration process is rooted in the chemical properties of tobacco combustion products. Tar, a dark and sticky residue, is naturally pigmented and deposits directly onto the enamel during smoking. This substance adheres tightly to the microscopic irregularities of the tooth surface, contributing immediately to a darker appearance.
Nicotine is colorless in its original state, but when exposed to oxygen, it undergoes an oxidation reaction. This chemical change transforms nicotine into a yellowish or brownish compound that binds to the teeth. The combination of the dark tar residue and the oxidized nicotine pigment results in the characteristic tobacco stain.
The smoke from cigars is often less filtered than that from cigarettes, allowing a higher concentration of staining agents to contact the oral surfaces. The heat from the smoke can also open microscopic tubules in the dentin, the layer beneath the enamel, allowing pigments to penetrate and become deeply set. Smoking also reduces saliva production, which is a natural defense that helps cleanse the teeth and neutralize stain-causing agents.
Characteristics of Cigar-Related Discoloration
The appearance of cigar stains varies depending on the duration and frequency of use. These stains typically range from a noticeable yellow tint to dark brown or even black deposits. The longer the exposure, the deeper and darker the resulting discoloration tends to be.
These stains do not appear uniformly across all teeth but are often concentrated in specific areas. They are commonly seen along the gumline and on the interior surfaces of the teeth, particularly those most exposed to the smoke stream. Tobacco discoloration can penetrate deeper into the enamel and the underlying dentin, making them difficult to remove with routine brushing alone.
Strategies for Minimizing Staining
While ceasing cigar use is the only method to fully prevent staining, several proactive behavioral strategies can help reduce the severity of the buildup. Rinsing the mouth with water immediately after finishing a cigar can help wash away some of the surface-level tar and nicotine before they adhere firmly to the enamel. This action reduces the contact time between the staining compounds and the tooth surface.
Maintaining a rigorous oral hygiene routine is also a useful defense. Brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste is foundational, and whitening toothpastes containing mild abrasives can help scrub away extrinsic pigments. However, excessive use of highly abrasive products, such as activated charcoal toothpastes, can lead to enamel wear, potentially exposing the more yellow dentin layer beneath. Flossing regularly is important, as it removes plaque and stains from the tight spaces between teeth where discoloration often collects.
Professional and At-Home Stain Removal
For existing stains, a combination of at-home and professional treatments is typically required. Over-the-counter (OTC) whitening products, such as strips and gels, rely on peroxide-based chemicals like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These oxidizing agents penetrate the enamel to break down the chemical bonds of the pigmented molecules, which can be effective for surface-level tobacco stains.
For more stubborn or deep-set cigar stains, professional dental procedures offer more comprehensive results. A professional dental cleaning (prophylaxis) utilizes specialized instruments to scrape away plaque and tartar, followed by polishing to remove tenacious extrinsic stains. This process is highly effective for removing surface buildup that regular brushing cannot address.
In-office bleaching treatments use higher concentrations of peroxide, often activated by light or heat. This achieves a more dramatic color change than OTC products and is effective in lightening tobacco-related discoloration. For severe, long-term staining that has permeated the dentin, a dentist may recommend veneers—thin, custom-made shells bonded to the front surface of the teeth to mask the discoloration.