How to remove brown stains on teeth

If you only have a mild brown or black dot on a tooth, you may be able to remove these stains on teeth at home. Here are some top tips to remove brown stains on teeth, but be aware that these will only work for extrinsic causes:

• Use toothpowder.⁷ Used in a similar fashion to toothpaste, toothpowder has been used for centuries and can help to reduce plaque, prevent gum disease and remove brown stains on teeth.
  
• Give your teeth a thorough clean. If you catch the discolouration early, following the proper method to clean your teeth can be enough to remove the layer of plaque and bacteria causing the discoloured spots on your teeth.
  
• Try home whitening methods. In case of mild, extrinsic staining, home whitening methods may help you remove the unsightly dark stains on your teeth. Home tooth whitening kits can carry risks, though, so talk to your dentist before using one.⁹

If your tooth discolouration is intrinsic, or if the stains are widespread and severe, you’ll need to speak to a dental professional about how to remove stains on your teeth. Your dentist or dental hygienist will be able to offer advice and treatment options.

Tip: If you notice the start of discoloured teeth in your child, be sure to contact your dentist. This can be a sign of developmental issues.

How to prevent a black stain on teeth

While there are a few options to remove stains on teeth at home if they are mild, or with your dentist if they are more extensive, prevention is the best remedy! Here are a few top tips to help you prevent the causes of tooth discolouration:

• Change your food habits. Some simple options include cutting back on foods that cause discolouration and ensuring you brush your teeth an hour after consuming anything that may lead to stains. Additionally, simple steps like adding milk to your tea or coffee can help to reduce the staining effects.¹⁰
  
• Reduce or quit smoking.¹¹ Not only is this a great choice for your overall health, but avoiding tobacco products is a great way to prevent the build-up of plaque and tartar.
  
• Maintain excellent oral hygiene. If you don’t brush your teeth properly, you’re letting dark dental tartar become embedded and ruin your smile. Remember to brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes. A soft toothbrush like the Philips Sonicare ExpertClean, thanks to its sonic technology, will allow you to reach dental plaque that is usually hard to reach.
• Remember to floss every day. This is key to cleaning hard-to-reach interdental spaces. Plaque and bacteria in these spaces can cause cavities and gum disease¹² as well as bad breath.¹³
• Drink plenty of water.¹⁴ Using water to rinse your mouth after eating sugary or acidic foods can help you to avoid cavities and other issues that can cause a black stain on teeth. 
• Book a check-up with your dentist. You should book an appointment at least every two years,¹⁵ or more regularly if you notice any dental issues such as unexplained tooth stains. Dentists can advise the best treatment to remove brown stains on teeth and help you avoid serious health problems. 

Black and brown stains on teeth are not just a cosmetic problem but can often be a sign of oral hygiene problems or certain food habits. With this guide you now know the steps to remove brown stains on teeth at home when they’re mild, and when it’s time to book a visit to the dentist. With a little care and attention, you can enjoy a sparkling smile.

The advice in this article is given only as information and does not constitute medical advice. If you’re concerned about oral problems, consult your dentist or another qualified health professional. 

Sources:

¹ Ortiz-López et al., Risk factors for the presence of dental black plaque, Scientific Reports 8, 16752. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6233187/

² Tooth plaque, NHS Great Ormond Street. https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/conditions-and-treatments/general-medical-conditions/tooth-plaque/   

³ Nogueira et al., Does consumption of staining drinks compromise the result of tooth whitening?, Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dentistry 11(11), e1012–e1017. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6825736/

⁴ Alhhatib et al., Smoking and tooth discolouration: findings from a national cross-sectional study, BMC Public Health 5, 27. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1079878/

⁵ Żyła et al., Black stain and dental caries: a review of the literature, BioMed Research International 2015(6), 1–6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4354720/

⁶ Jackson and Taylor, Sudden onset of tooth discoloration, Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology 12(10), 12–13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6937148/

⁷ Khan et al., Extrinsic stain removal with a toothpowder: a randomized controlled trial, International Journal of Health Sciences 8(3), 269–274. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4257362/

⁸ Haruyama et al., Combined effects of electric toothbrushing and dentifrice on artificial stain removal: an in vitro study, Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dentistry 10(3), e200–e205. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5923887/

⁹ Teeth whitening, NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/teeth-whitening/ 

¹⁰ Lee et al., Prevention of tea-induced extrinsic tooth stain, International Journal of Dental Hygiene 12(4), 267–272. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25040739/

¹¹ The effect that smoking has on your oral health, NHS Queen Victoria Hospital. https://www.qvh.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/The-effect-that-smoking-has-on-your-oral-health-Rvw-Feb-2020.pdf 

¹² Why should I use interdental brushes?, NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/dental-health/why-should-i-use-interdental-brushes/ 

¹³ Tungare et al., Halitosis, StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534859/

¹⁴ Barnes et al., Comparison of irrigation to floss as an adjunct to tooth brushing: effect on bleeding, gingivitis, and supragingival plaque, Journal of Clinical Dentistry 16(3), 71–77. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16305005/  

¹⁵ Dental check-ups, NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-teeth-and-gums/dental-check-ups/