Stains on teeth: what they are, the types, causes and treatments

A smile has the power to brighten up a whole room, but, over time, it is natural for its radiance to fade. Tooth discoloration – which can manifest as stains, spots or marks on teeth – is likely to affect us all at some point in our lives, impacting the self-esteem of even the most confident amongst us. In this article, we explore the many different factors which contribute to teeth discoloration. We also discuss what exactly stains on teeth are, their causes, preventative measures (including how to avoid them) and possible solutions.

Whether you love a cup of coffee, are into your red wine or are simply interested in keeping that smile of yours in tip-top condition for as long as possible, in this blog we discuss what leads to tooth discoloration and reveal exactly how to keep your teeth bright and shining.

What are stains on teeth?

Tooth discoloration, often referred to as stains on teeth, is the gradual process of yellowing or dulling of the colour of teeth that can affect your smile over time. It is also common for light- or dark-coloured marks to appear on the teeth as a result of staining. Consuming certain foods, drinks and medications, as well as other factors like smoking, dental injuries and poor oral health are often responsible for tooth discoloration over time.

What causes stained teeth?

You may be wondering what exactly causes teeth to stain. A range of factors can lead to stained teeth, some of which fall within our control, whilst others lay beyond it.

Avoidable causes of stained teeth

• Dark-coloured food and drinks: Over time, coffee, tea, berries, red wine and soy sauce all contribute to staining teeth – which may be something to consider next time you make a cuppa.

• Smoking and tobacco use: Teeth discoloration is more widespread amongst those who smoke and use tobacco, as proven by extensive research.

• Poor oral hygiene: An adequate oral health routine is crucial to preventing teeth stains. Lack of proper brushing and flossing results in stains clinging to dental plaque, which can cause tooth discoloration over time.

• Excess exposure to fluoride: Although fluoride is important in protecting us against tooth decay, being exposed to too much whilst the teeth are still developing can cause fluorosis, which manifests as white spots on the tooth’s surface.

Unavoidable causes of stained teeth

• Genetics: Every smile is unique. Due to genetic diversity, each and every one of us has teeth of different shades, brightness and translucency.

• Dental trauma: Accidents, like falls, motor incidents or sports-induced injuries happen unexpectedly, causing trauma to the teeth that can result in staining.

• Ageing: As time goes on, our teeth undergo a natural transformation. When the enamel starts to thin, more of the dentin beneath, which is of a yellow colour, begins to be exposed. This results in teeth appearing darker or duller as we age.

• Dental treatments: The materials used for certain procedures, such as silver fillings, can lead to the surrounding teeth to appear greyish in hue. Furthermore, tooth-coloured fillings and the surface of teeth beside them can also stain after root canal treatments.

• Health conditions: A number of health conditions can lead to tooth discoloration, including liver diseases and eating disorders.

• Medication side effects: Some antihistamines and high blood pressure medication, amongst others, contribute to teeth staining. Discoloration can also be caused by taking antibiotics like tetracycline or doxycycline as a child.

• Cancer treatment: One of the side effects of cancer treatments like chemotherapy and head-neck radiation is tooth discoloration, as the reduction in saliva production causes teeth to stain.

So how do we maintain and restore our smile’s natural brilliance? The first step to making informed decisions about our dental hygiene is recognising the many factors that lead to stained teeth.

Why do my teeth stain so easily?

Curious about why your teeth stain so easily? Porous enamel, resulting in coloured pigments from food, drink and tobacco being more easily absorbed, causes some people’s teeth to stain quicker than others. Smoking, levels of acidity and poor oral hygiene, as well as genetics, can also have an impact, leading to teeth staining more easily.

Types of teeth stains

We often imagine our teeth to be pearly white when we think of our smiles. In reality, however, our teeth are prone to various types of stains throughout our lifetime.

In order to keep our smile bright and pristine, it is important to understand the different types of teeth stains that can form. The two main types of discoloration are categorised as extrinsic and intrinsic teeth stains. Both are caused by different factors and, as such, require distinct prevention measures and solutions. Read on to discover the science behind extrinsic and intrinsic teeth stains, what they are caused by and the treatments that can be used to effectively reduce the visible signs of discoloration.

Extrinsic teeth stains

Extrinsic teeth stains affect the surface layer, the enamel, of teeth. Environmental factors, like consuming dark-coloured foods and drinks, are amongst the main culprits of these external stains.

Intrinsic tooth staining

Intrinsic tooth staining occurs within the tooth, when the layer underneath the enamel, the dentin, is affected. Factors like dental trauma and some medicines can lead to this internal tooth staining.

Teeth stain colour meaning

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

Yellow stains or spots 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 could also suggest the need for a more adequate dental care routine.

Brown stains or spots on teeth

Brown stains or spots on teeth are caused by the use of tobacco products, including smoking and chewing tobacco. Brown stains along with pitting, or small cavities in the teeth, may also suggest that there are dental caries which require treatment.

Purple stains or marks on teeth

Consuming excessive amounts of red wine, certain berries and dark-coloured fruits, like pomegranates, results in purple stains or marks forming on teeth. It is worth noting that internal bleeding from dental trauma can also manifest as purple tooth discoloration.

Grey stains or spots 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 or spots 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 marks can be unsightly, they do not normally indicate any underlying health concerns.

Black stains or spots on teeth

The presence of black stains or spots on teeth usually suggest high levels of decay. This discoloration 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 discoloration 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.

• 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 discoloration from tobacco.

• Attend regular dental check-ups and cleanings.

How to remove and get rid of stains from teeth

Want to know how to remove and get rid of stains from teeth?

Both preventative actions and professional treatments are required to improve the appearance of tooth discoloration. 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.

How to remove intrinsic stains from teeth

Intrinsic teeth stains are unlikely to be improved by the regular forms of removal which target surface-level discoloration. Aesthetic dental treatments like veneers or bonding could be an option to achieving a bright smile again, as they work by covering the 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 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 to prevent tooth discoloration 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 discoloration. 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. Discoloration from consuming stain-inducing foods, drinks and tobacco can usually be resolved by undergoing professional teeth whitening treatments, which use bleaching agents to remove stains or spots and, ultimately, return teeth to their natural radiance.

Whiten your smile with Impress

At Impress, we offer professional teeth whitening services to remove stains from teeth. Using LED lamps, our state-of-the-art, safe and professional whitening treatments effectively eliminate stains and whiten teeth up to 5 shades lighter in a way that lasts. Plus, results are immediate, noticeable after just a single session.

If you’re interested in finding out more about how Impress can improve your smile, visit your nearest Impress clinic to meet the experts who will supervise your treatment. You can also book an appointment online, by phone at +44 20 3808 1072, via WhatsApp, or by writing to us at london@smile2impress.com.