Does Vaping Stain Teeth? It May, but Less Than Smoking

Vaping may discolor teeth, but current evidence suggests that it causes less staining than smoking cigarettes. That conclusion is not especially firm: most direct studies have exposed extracted teeth or dental materials to aerosol in a laboratory, so they cannot predict whether—or how quickly—a particular person’s teeth will change color.

What the evidence shows

A systematic review of 27 studies found low-quality evidence that e-cigarettes can stain enamel and dental materials, generally to a lesser extent than cigarette smoke. Of the included studies, 24 were laboratory studies. Their products, exposure methods, brushing conditions and measurement times varied considerably, and at least eight studies reported industry sponsorship (systematic review in Clinical and Experimental Dental Research).

Cigarettes burn tobacco and expose teeth to pigmented smoke deposits. E-cigarettes heat a liquid to create an aerosol, so the exposure is different. “Less staining than cigarettes” does not mean no staining, and it says nothing about vaping’s other possible effects on oral health.

The limited human evidence points in the same direction but cannot settle the question. In one cross-sectional study, 18 former smokers who exclusively used e-cigarettes had whiter teeth than 18 current smokers. Their color measurements were similar to those of 18 former smokers who did not vape. Because researchers measured each group at one point in time, the study could identify an association but not prove that vaping had no effect. It was funded through a grant from the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World, and the authors called for larger prospective studies (study methods, results and disclosures).

The most defensible answer is:

• Vaping may cause some discoloration.
• Studies suggest that it stains less than combustible cigarettes.
• There is not enough long-term human evidence to predict the amount or timing. E-liquid composition appears to matter, but the effects of different liquids and flavorings need more research.

Vaping may discolor restorations too

Laboratory studies have also reported color changes in resin composite—the tooth-colored material used for many fillings and bonding—and dental ceramic after e-cigarette exposure. The amount varied by material and test conditions, so these findings do not establish what will happen in the mouth (review of dental hard tissues and materials).

A filling, bonded area or crown may therefore look different from the enamel beside it. Bleaching creates another potential mismatch: it lightens natural teeth but does not change the color of crowns, implants or tooth-colored restorations, according to the American Dental Association’s whitening overview.

A dark mark is not automatically a vape stain

Discoloration deposited by vaping would be considered an extrinsic stain—colored material on the tooth’s outer surface. Surface stain may affect several teeth or collect where plaque is retained.

Brown, yellow or black discoloration can have other causes, including pigmented foods and drinks, tobacco, tartar, decay or an old restoration. A tooth can also darken internally because of decay, changes in the pulp at its center or previous trauma. The ADA distinguishes these intrinsic changes from deposits on the enamel surface (ADA guidance on extrinsic and intrinsic discoloration).

Arrange a dental examination rather than assuming a mark is a vape stain if:

• one tooth is becoming darker than the others;
• a spot appears to be a hole or is enlarging;
• there is pain, sensitivity, swelling, bleeding or a bad taste; or
• discoloration remains despite normal cleaning.

Staining is also separate from cavity formation. For that evidence, see can vaping cause tooth decay?.

What can remove or limit the stain?

Removing the exposure is the most direct way to prevent further vape-related staining. If vaping replaced cigarette smoking, returning to cigarettes is not a solution: cigarette smoke has much stronger evidence of staining.

Continue routine care by brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between the teeth. Do not try to scrub a stain away with extra force.

The appropriate cosmetic option depends on where the color is:

1. Surface stain: Regular brushing or a stain-removing toothpaste may reduce mild external discoloration. Professional cleaning can remove tartar and some surface stains.
2. Color within natural teeth: Peroxide bleaching can lighten enamel and dentin, although results vary by the cause of discoloration and temporary sensitivity can occur.
3. Discolored restorations: Polishing may help some surface staining, but a filling or bonded area with color change inside the material may need repair or replacement.

The ADA notes that whitening toothpastes mainly act on surface stains, while peroxide products alter color within natural teeth. It also advises assessment before bleaching so the cause of discoloration can be identified (ADA whitening guidance). This is particularly important for one dark tooth or an unexplained spot. Our comparison of teeth-whitening options explains how cleaning, bleaching and restoration replacement address different problems.