How often do you need to be smoking before a dentist can recognize it in your teeth?

Answer 1

My dentist didn't know until I told her and I've been smoking for just over 10 years. Most of the stains on my teeth are from coffee anyway so she did ask if I drank a lot of coffee or tea.

Answer 2

Stained teeth is not the only way a dentist may be able to tell. In some smokers, the minor salivary glands of the hard palate are blocked. This is quite obvious on exam and usually prompts me to ask if a patient is a smoker. Also, perio/gum issues sometime give it away...