Impact of heated tobacco on tooth color: what you should know

Heated tobacco devices, such as IQOS, are often presented as a less harmful alternative to traditional tobacco. The absence of combustion leads many users to believe that there are also no relevant effects on oral health, in particular on tooth color.

But is it really so?
Does the heated tobacco not stain your teeth or just do it differently?

In this article we explain how heated tobacco can affect the color of your teeth, what are the differences from other forms of tobacco consumption and what you can do to minimize the impacts on your smile.

How does heated tobacco work?

Heated tobacco is a system in which the tobacco is heated to lower temperatures than traditional cigarettes, without combustion. Devices like IQOS© heat tobacco and release an aerosol that contains nicotine and other chemicals, but without producing the classic smoke.

This technology reduces the release of some combustion-associated substances, such as tar in large quantities. However, it does not eliminate oral cavity exposure to compounds that come into direct contact with the teeth and gums.

For the first time, in recently released data, the World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that the global number of people using electronic cigarettes has exceeded 100 million worldwide.

These heated tobacco products continue to expose users to nicotine and other potentially harmful substances and are not considered free of health risk, as this organization has issued several warnings.

Another question arises: does the heated tobacco stain the teeth?

Yes, just like the normal tobacco as we speak here.

Heated tobacco can change the color of your teeth, although more gradually when compared to traditional tobacco.

The aerosol released by the heated tobacco contains:

These substances accumulate progressively in the enamel and in the rougher areas of the teeth, favoring the appearance of superficial stains, usually with yellowish or grayish hues.

Difference between traditional tobacco and heated tobacco in dental health

The main difference is in the rate of appearance of spots:

in traditional tobacco, pigmentation appears faster and more intense;
in heated tobacco, the color change is slower but cumulative.

With regular use, the natural color of the teeth will be affected.

Heated tobacco, traditional cigarettes and rolling tobacco: are they all the same?

All of them do present risks to health in general! When talking about tooth pigmentation, it is important to realize that not all forms of tobacco consumption affect the teeth in the same way.

traditional cigarettes

High tar production
Darker and deeper spots
Visible change in tooth color over time

rolling tobacco

Higher concentration of nicotine and particles
Very adherent spots
Significant impact on dental aesthetics

Heated tobacco and oral health (ex: IQOS)

Lower amount of tar
Stains tend to be more superficial
Gradual change in tooth color

Still, and despite these differences, there is a common point: no form of tobacco consumption is harmless to oral aesthetics.

It was precisely these changes in oral tissues that we discussed in the article on dental implants in smokers, where we explained how tobacco interferes with healing and long-term oral health.

Other effects of heated tobacco on oral health

In addition to changing the colour of your teeth, consumption of heated tobacco can have an impact on other important aspects of oral health as we will see below:

Increased plaque, due to changes in oral cavity balance
Irritation and inflammation of the gums, often without obvious symptoms
Increased tendency to bad breath, associated with dry mouth and chemical waste
Changes in saliva, which reduce the natural protection of teeth

Science also warns that heated tobacco products can negatively influence the oral environment, affecting gum health and biofilm accumulation.

Decreased saliva and gingival inflammation can also contribute to problems such as tooth sensitivity, making the teeth more vulnerable to external stimuli.

How to prevent or reduce stains associated with heated tobacco?

While eliminating tobacco consumption is always the most beneficial option, there are measures that help reduce the impact of heated tobacco on tooth color.

Careful oral hygiene

Proper brushing, at least twice a day
Regular use of dental floss or interdental brushes
Toothpastes adjusted to individual needs

Regular oral hygiene visits

Oral hygiene consultations allow you to remove surface stains and plaque that are not eliminated with daily brushing, helping to preserve the natural color of your teeth.

Assessment for tooth whitening

When there is already visible aesthetic change, tooth whitening, properly indicated and accompanied by a specialist dental doctor A Clínica, can significantly improve the appearance of the smile.

It is important to note that tooth whitening does not prevent the reappearance of stains if the consumption of heated tobacco remains, and should be integrated into a maintenance plan.

Heated tobacco is also not harmless to the teeth

A truth, heated tobacco is not neutral to the teeth and continue to arise cases of people that stains on the teeth due to heated tobacco

Although it can cause less intense spotting than traditional tobacco, it continues to affect tooth color and oral health progressively.

Hence the various warnings that alternatives to traditional tobacco are not free of oral health risks.

If you use heated tobacco devices and notice changes in your tooth color, an assessment in consultation at the clinic is the first step to protecting your oral health in the medium and long term.

Please contact us.