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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Does Smoking Lead To Tooth Discolouration And Dark Grey Spots Inside Cheeks?

I don't have the best dental hygiene and I smoke. I have two blackish Greg spots inside my cheeks. One on each side where my back teeth are and they are also turning dark. One tooth on each side. I'm worried about what it could be. Cancer runs in my family and I'm wondering if this could be a serious sign
Wed, 17 Jun 2015
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Dentist 's  Response
Hi..
Can understand your concern..

As per your query blackish grey spots inside the cheeks in a smoker can be due to excessive melanin deposition known as SMOKER'S MELANOSIS..

They can vary from small spots to large areas which are discoloured brown and black and the discolouration can be seen on inner cheeks,gums,lips and palate..

In case of increasing size and if it is in the form of patches it can also be MELANOPLAKIA and it also occurs due to smoking..

The discolouration and deposits over the teeth can also be due to smoking as the smoke contains tar products that gets deposited over the teeth leading to staining of the teeth..

I would suggest you to consult a dentist and get evaluated and for staining of the teeth professional cleaning in dental office known as scaling can be done..

In case of Smokers melanosis cessation of smoking can slowly clear the pigmentation..

In case of Melanoplakia cessation of smoking and intake of multivitamins and antioxidants can be helpful..
In case of Melanoplakia a biopsy should be get done so as to rule out any malignant transformation as Melanoplakia is a pre-cancerous condition.

Hope this information helps..

If you find the answer helpful please write a positive review and click on find this answer helpful as a token of appreciation..

Thanks and regards..
Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora.
I find this answer helpful

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Does Smoking Lead To Tooth Discolouration And Dark Grey Spots Inside Cheeks?

Hi.. Can understand your concern.. As per your query blackish grey spots inside the cheeks in a smoker can be due to excessive melanin deposition known as SMOKER S MELANOSIS.. They can vary from small spots to large areas which are discoloured brown and black and the discolouration can be seen on inner cheeks,gums,lips and palate.. In case of increasing size and if it is in the form of patches it can also be MELANOPLAKIA and it also occurs due to smoking.. The discolouration and deposits over the teeth can also be due to smoking as the smoke contains tar products that gets deposited over the teeth leading to staining of the teeth.. I would suggest you to consult a dentist and get evaluated and for staining of the teeth professional cleaning in dental office known as scaling can be done.. In case of Smokers melanosis cessation of smoking can slowly clear the pigmentation.. In case of Melanoplakia cessation of smoking and intake of multivitamins and antioxidants can be helpful.. In case of Melanoplakia a biopsy should be get done so as to rule out any malignant transformation as Melanoplakia is a pre-cancerous condition. Hope this information helps.. If you find the answer helpful please write a positive review and click on find this answer helpful as a token of appreciation.. Thanks and regards.. Dr.Honey Nandwani Arora.