The Different Types of Teeth Stains and How to Remove Them (2024)

FAQs

The Different Types of Teeth Stains and How to Remove Them? ›

Professional whitening works best on surface (extrinsic) stains. But some whitening products can remove deep dental (intrinsic) stains, too. In-office bleaching takes about one hour to complete. Most take-home whitening treatments require 30- to 60-minute daily treatments for up to six weeks.

Tooth discoloration can be divided into two main types: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic tooth discoloration comes from the interior of the tooth or the enamel itself. Extrinsic teeth darkening comes from sources outside the tooth. Teeth whitening tends to be more effective on extrinsic teeth discoloration.

That depends on the cause. Brown staining from foods, drinks, or tobacco can be removed by cutting down on the culprit and improving your oral hygiene. For more stubborn stains, you may need at-home or professional whitening to remove brown stains.

Extrinsic stains occur on the external surface of the tooth and can be removed by self-care methods (such as brushing and flossing) and scaling and polishing (traditional or air polishing). Intrinsic stains occur on the internal surface of the tooth and cannot be removed by self-care methods.

Over-the-counter teeth whitening products, such as whitening toothpaste or strips, may help lighten surface stains to some extent. However, a dentist's professional teeth whitening treatments are generally more effective for stubborn or deep-set stains between teeth.

Teeth whitening can remove most mild to moderate teeth stains that are known as extrinsic teeth stains. However, they may not be able to remove more severe stains that are known as intrinsic.

Tooth discoloration associated with celiac disease is permanent. Most stains and spots caused by fluorosis or tooth decay are likewise irreversible. For permanent or stubborn brown spots on the teeth a dentist may be able to hide discolorations, or prevent further discoloration, with: white composite fillings.

The PurelyWHITE DELUXE Teeth Whitening kit is our pick for best teeth whitening kit for stains. It's an LED-powered device that's great at targeting ten years' worth of stains and spots on the teeth with minimal sensitivity.

Polishing is the simplest way to remove stains. It is a painless procedure where your dentist applies a paste to the surfaces of your teeth using a rotating instrument. Deeper intrinstic stains may require for advanced treatment such as microabrasion.

A professional dental cleaning can clear away stains caused by plaque and tartar. For food or drink-related stains, you may need a whitening system. Intrinsic stains have a deeper origin in the tooth and need different or more intensive whitening.

How to remove teeth stains naturally? ›

Brush and floss daily to remove plaque, a major cause of tooth discoloration. Brush your teeth with baking soda. It won't bleach your teeth, but it can remove surface stains. Using a paste of baking soda and salt twice a week can improve tooth whiteness over the long run.

There are several ways you can remove brown stains from your teeth. Baking soda is a popular home remedy for stained teeth. To use this method, mix one teaspoon of baking soda with two teaspoons of water. Rub the paste onto your teeth and let it sit for two minutes before rinsing.

Porcelain veneers

These tooth-colored ceramic shells are thin, yet strong. A dentist permanently bonds (glues) them to the front surfaces of your teeth to camouflage discoloration or other cosmetic flaws like chipping or misshapen teeth. A dentist has to replace porcelain veneers every five to 15 years.

Baking-powder eliminates stains on the surface of your teeth and lemon juice as we already said has multiple components that lighten teeth. Just mix a teaspoon of baking powder and a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice and brush your teeth with the paste this mixture will work wonders in just two minutes.

You could also try using tooth whitening toothpaste that includes fluoride, to brush twice a day. Ask your dentist to suggest you the right products. An in-office treatment called Dental prophylaxis, wherein the dentist uses a paste to remove the plaque and tartar, thus getting rid of surface stains.

But you still might notice certain teeth with a darker color, especially your canines (eye teeth) because of their dense design. Darker types of foods and beverages are more apt to cause stain buildup on your teeth. Common offenders are curries, berries, tomato sauces, tea, coffee, soda, and red wine.

How to Tell the Difference Between a Tooth Stain and a Cavity. Often cavities and stains on your teeth look similar as they develop. Cavities tend to grow larger and deeper steadily over time. Whereas, stains vary in size and shape, often shrinking and growing depending on other circ*mstances.

Teeth can become stained from lifestyle habits like consuming dark-coloured foods and drinks over time. Surface stains often appear yellowish and can easily be corrected with whitening, but if they're accompanied by persistent pain, sensitivity, or visible holes, you're likely dealing with a cavity.

If you have brown stains and pitting (small holes) in your teeth, it probably means you have untreated tooth decay. Purple teeth stains usually affect people who consume a lot of red wine. Gray tooth discoloration may mean that the nerve inside your tooth has died. Dental trauma can cause this.