Can teeth stains be removed?

Having stained teeth can be embarrassing and affect your confidence. Teeth stains can come from a variety of sources, including coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, and certain foods. The good news is that most teeth stains can be removed or reduced with the right products and techniques.

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What causes teeth stains?

There are two main types of teeth stains:

Extrinsic stains – These are stains that appear on the surface of the teeth from external sources like food and drink.
Intrinsic stains – These stains occur underneath the tooth enamel and can be caused by medication use, injury, excess fluoride, and other factors.

Common causes of extrinsic stains include:

Coffee, tea, and red wine – The dark pigments in these drinks can embed into the tiny grooves and pits in your tooth enamel.
Tobacco use – Chewing tobacco and smoking can cause stubborn brownish stains.
Dark-colored foods and drinks – Things like tomato sauce, berries, and soda can discolor teeth over time.

Improper oral hygiene – Not brushing and flossing regularly allows stains to build up.
Medications – Certain antibiotics like tetracycline can cause intrinsic stains if taken by children whose teeth are still developing.

Types of teeth stains

Teeth stains can present in different ways. Common types include:

Surface stains – These appear as dark or discolored spots on the tooth enamel. Surface stains are generally caused by foods, drinks, and tobacco.
Embedded stains – These occur when stains penetrate deeper into the tooth, settling into its pores, crevices, and grooves. Coffe, tea, and smoking are common causes.
Age-related stains – As the tooth enamel thins over time, the yellowish dentin underneath becomes more visible, giving teeth a yellower, darker appearance.

Intrinsic stains – These come from inside the tooth. Intrinsic stains can present as gray, yellow, or brown discoloration.

Can teeth whitening remove stains?

Yes, teeth whitening is an effective way to remove many types of extrinsic stains from the tooth enamel. Whitening products contain peroxides that break down and remove stain molecules. However, teeth whitening is generally less effective on intrinsic stains occurring beneath the enamel.

Types of teeth whitening

There are several different teeth whitening options to remove stains, including:

Whitening toothpastes – Over-the-counter whitening toothpastes can help gently reduce surface stain buildup through mild abrasives and polishing agents.
Whitening strips – Whitening strips coated with peroxide gel are applied to the teeth for 30 minutes or longer. They can effectively brighten teeth over the course of treatment.
Whitening trays – Custom-fitted plastic trays are filled with peroxide gel and worn for a period of time, often overnight. This method produces more dramatic whitening results over 1-2 weeks.

In-office whitening – A concentrated peroxide gel is applied to the teeth and accelerated with light or laser energy. A single in-office treatment can provide multiple shades of whitening.

Other ways to remove teeth stains

In addition to dedicated teeth whitening treatments, there are other ways to banish stubborn teeth stains, including:

Professional dental cleanings – Regular professional cleanings every 6 months will remove surface plaque and stains from all areas of your teeth.

Scaling and polishing – This professional treatment uses specialized tools to clean below the gumline and polish away built-up stains.
Dental veneers – These custom shells made of porcelain or composite materials cover front teeth to create an even, bright smile.

Lifestyle changes

Making certain lifestyle adjustments can also help prevent new stains from forming:

Brush twice daily with a whitening toothpaste.
Floss at least once per day.
Rinse with water after drinking coffee, tea, wine, or soda.

Limit consumption of staining foods and drinks.
Quit smoking and tobacco use.

Home remedies

Some natural home remedies can help remove superficial stains from teeth. However, they are less effective than dedicated teeth whitening treatments.

Baking soda

Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help scrub away surface stains. Mix a paste with water and brush onto teeth for 2-3 minutes, then rinse. Do not use baking soda more than 2x per week as it may damage enamel over time.

Hydrogen peroxide

The low levels of peroxide found in drugstores can slightly brighten teeth. Mix 1 part peroxide to 2 parts water and swish around the mouth for 1-2 minutes. Rinse thoroughly afterward and do not swallow the peroxide.

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar may help whiten stained teeth. Pour some onto a toothbrush and brush gently for 1-2 minutes. Then rinse thoroughly. Do not brush too aggressively as the acidity can damage enamel.

Fruits like strawberries

Certain fruits like strawberries contain mild acids that may help lift surface stains. Crush some strawberries into a paste and apply to teeth for 5 minutes, then rinse. Repeat 1-2 times per week for the best effect.

When to see a dentist

It’s a good idea to see your dentist if you are experiencing discolored teeth. A dentist can:

Determine the cause of staining and best treatment options.

Professional cleanings to remove superficial stains.
Recommend prescription strength take-home whitening kits.
Discuss in-office whitening procedures.

Evaluate if veneers or other cosmetic treatments are indicated.

A dental exam is recommended if stains suddenly appear, hurt, or are accompanied by other symptoms like gum disease or tooth sensitivity.

Preventing future stains

Here are some tips to help avoid new stains on your brightened smile:

Brush with a whitening toothpaste twice per day and floss daily.
Avoid constantly sipping on staining drinks like coffee, tea, wine, and soda. Drink them quickly with a straw instead.
Rinse your mouth with water after consuming staining foods and drinks.

Quit smoking and tobacco use.
Get regular dental cleanings every 6 months to keep stains from returning.
Use over-the-counter whitening strips or touch-up pens periodically to maintain a whiter smile.

Conclusion

Yes, it is possible to remove teeth stains and regain a brighter, whiter smile. While intrinsic stains are harder to remove, extrinsic stains on the tooth surface respond very well to teeth whitening treatments. With the right dental products and professional procedures, most stains can be eliminated or significantly reduced.

Making some adjustments to your diet and oral hygiene habits will also help prevent new stains from forming. Visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups will allow you to maintain your stain-free, radiant smile for years to come.