A guide on how to clean stained teeth: causes, colours and corrections

Nearly one in three Brits (32%) want whiter teeth, while two in three (66%) have actively considered it*, so it's no surprise that many people want answers about how to clean stained teeth and how to improve the appearance of them.

Feeling you have "bad teeth" can be a sore point for anyone and an emotional burden.  Many people aren't sure which solution is best when it comes to their oral health concerns and this article is here to help you figure that out.

If you’re actively looking for a teeth-whitening solution, you can take a look at our professional whitening service here.

If you want to know more about:

• the different types of teeth stains you can have

• the meaning of different teeth stain colours

• suggestions about how to improve the appearance of or remove stains on your teeth

Keep reading, as we'll dive into it in the sections below!

Types of teeth stains

We often imagine our teeth are pearly white when we think of our smiles. The reality is that our teeth are prone to various types of stains throughout our lifetime.

To keep our smile bright and pristine, it is important to understand the types of teeth stains that can form and why. Two main types of tooth discolouration are recognised in the orthodontic world: extrinsic and intrinsic teeth stains. Both types of staining are caused by factors that require a different course of treatment and preventative measures to either remove or limit further staining.

Extrinsic teeth stains: what foods stain?

Extrinsic teeth stains affect the surface layer of the enamel on teeth. They're typically caused by environmental factors, things like:

• Drinking red wine

• Eating berries

• Nicotine

• Processed sugars

Despite their appearance, you'll be pleased to know that they’re generally easier to remove than intrinsic stains. Impressive results from teeth whitening and enhancement using products at home, such as whitening toothpaste, can achieve great outcomes.

Intrinsic tooth staining

Intrinsic tooth staining occurs within the tooth when the layer underneath the enamel called dentin is affected. Internal tooth staining can happen for several reasons: health conditions, dental trauma, and side effects from some medicines. It can be difficult to get rid of these types of stains, but with the help of an active whitening agent like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, you can achieve excellent results.

Teeth stains due to ageing

We should expect natural discolouration and teeth staining over our lifetime as a result of ageing. It's a part of the ageing process we can't prevent, no matter how dedicated we are to our cleaning regime. nor the consistency with which we attend our dental appointments.

Our enamel thins as we age and the dentin underneath turns a darker shade too. we can’t control the degradation of our teeth over time, so options similar to intrinsic stains, such as professional teeth whitening can help revive our smile in this case.

Did you know?

Water really is your best bet when it comes to keeping your mind, body and teeth healthy. If you drink water you can:

• rehydrate your mouth

• reduce any sugar and particles that would otherwise be stuck to the surfaces of your teeth

• neutralise acids

• strengthen your teeth (if the water is fluoridated)

• reduce bad breath

Coffee teeth stains and more

Understanding the different colours of stains that can form on teeth may help to identify the cause of discolouration. The most common stain colours, along with their causes and what they mean for the health of your teeth, are below.

Yellow stains on teeth

Yellow stains or spots on teeth are usually formed by consuming dark-coloured foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, curry and soy sauce. A yellow hue can suggest the need for a more adequate dental care routine.

Brown stains on teeth

Brown stains on teeth can be a sign that you're a smoker. This type of staining is typically caused by tobacco products when you smoke or chew tobacco. Brown stains with ‘pitting’, or small cavities in the teeth, may also suggest there are dental caries that require treatment. Stains on teeth from coffee can also appear brown if your coffee intake is extensive.

Purple stains on teeth

Purple stains on your teeth form from the consumption of red wine, eating certain berries and dark coloured fruits such as pomegranates, strawberries and blackberries. It is worth noting that internal bleeding from dental trauma can also manifest as purple tooth discolouration.

Grey stains on teeth

Nerve damage caused by dental trauma may appear as grey stains or spots on teeth. Although these stains may be alarming, it is important to visit a dentist for a thorough examination and detailed plan of action, as well as to properly address the health concerns involved and restore the appearance of teeth.

White stains on teeth

White stains or spots on teeth could indicate dental fluorosis, which is caused by exposure to high levels of fluoride whilst the teeth are still developing as a child. Although these white stains on teeth can be unsightly, they do not normally indicate any underlying health concerns.

Black staining on teeth

The presence of black stains or spots on teeth usually suggests high levels of decay. This discolouration is a clear sign that the teeth are in an advanced stage of deterioration, which, if not treated, could lead to more serious dental conditions and, ultimately, affect the fundamental structure of the teeth.

How to avoid teeth stains

Wondering how to avoid teeth stains from the get-go? Although it may prove difficult to avoid discolouration from factors beyond your control, like dental trauma, medication or health conditions, there are actions which can be taken to reduce the chances of everyday extrinsic tooth stains:

• Brush teeth gently up to three times a day with a toothpaste that contains fluoride and a soft-bristled brush.
• Invest in an electric toothbrush, where possible, for a deeper clean.

• Floss daily to avoid bacteria build-up between teeth.

• Limit your consumption of teeth-staining foods and drinks, like coffee, tea, coke and red wine.

• Drink plenty of water and rinse after consuming beverages that may lead to marks on teeth.

• Stop smoking to reduce discolouration from tobacco.
• Use a straw when drinking cold beverages that could stain, like dark carbonated drinks or iced tea. 

• Attend regular dental check-ups and cleanings.

• How to remove and get rid of stains from teeth

Both preventative actions and professional treatments are required to improve the appearance of tooth discolouration. It is important to speak to a dentist who will advise on the most appropriate course of action to remove the stains, according to your needs and the cause of your stained teeth.

Removing intrinsic stains from teeth

Aesthetic dental treatments like veneers or bonding could be an option to achieve a bright smile, as they work by covering the intrinsic stain completely. These solutions should only be used when teeth have become discoloured as a result of dental trauma or in specific cases where alternative treatments could not get rid of the stain.

How to remove extrinsic stains from teeth

You may be relieved to know that most stains on teeth are superficial and, therefore, can be removed using much simpler and more affordable methods. Read on for some tips on how to remove and get rid of extrinsic stains on teeth:

Improve your oral hygiene

Sometimes all it takes is a better technique or a more regular dental hygiene routine. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing as part of a daily oral health care routine can help prevent tooth discolouration over time.

Limit your consumption of teeth-staining substances

Limiting your consumption of foods and drinks that are known to stain teeth, as well as reducing or cutting out substances such as tobacco completely will help reduce tooth discolouration. Pairing this with a thorough oral hygiene practice can help some extrinsic stains to disappear eventually.

Does whitening remove stains and spots on teeth?

You may be wondering if whitening removes stains and spots from teeth. Teeth whitening is the definitive treatment for stained teeth as it restores them to their natural appearance. Whilst there are several teeth whitening techniques, not all are safe or reliable, professional teeth whitening is thus the best way to improve teeth with stains, spots or marks.

If you want more information on the orthodontic and whitening treatments we offer at Impress, you can:

Contact us to book an appointment

Find your nearest Impress clinic

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Call us +44 20 3808 1072

Citation: https://www.dentalhealth.org/