Stained Teeth

Stained teeth are when the natural colour of the tooth is no longer preserved, colour absorbs into the tooth surface and will appear as discolouration. Teeth can stain brown, yellow and red from dyes and pigments. This is due to repeated exposure to the food, drink or product that has caused colour to cling to the tooth.

Though there is no damage, staining can impact a person’s confidence in their own smile. This can take a toll on a person’s mental health and ultimately be as damaging as a condition that deteriorates oral health. That’s why it’s important to reach out and book an appointment if this is something you are experiencing.

What causes stained teeth?

There are a handful of things that can cause the teeth to stain, though the most common are foods, drinks, and smoking products. However, discolouration on the tooth can also indicate something more serious, so it’s always important to attend your routine visits.

• Drinks like red wine, coffee, tea and sugary drinks like Coca-Cola.
• Chewing Betel nut
• Smoking or chewing tobacco.
• Sauces that are vibrant and use high-staining foods like tomato, turmeric or paprika.
• Tooth decay.
• Medications
• Genetics
• Injury to the tooth.

How to prevent teeth from staining?

The first line of prevention that is super important is to maintain your oral health by brushing and flossing routinely. Ensuring to floss before brushing and brushing for no less than two minutes a day.

• Attending your dentist appointments every six to twelve months.
• Quit smoking and chewing betel nuts.
• Reduce consumption of drinks and foods that stain.
• Once you have eaten highly pigmented food, brush your teeth for the best results.

How to treat stained teeth?

Stained teeth can be treated in a few ways, the first and most common is to get your teeth whitened. Teeth whitening should be done at the dentist for the most reliable and safe experience.

Some dentists may provide an at-home whitening kit which includes pre-made trays for the teeth and a whitening gel.  You can also treat stained teeth using whitening toothpaste, mouthwash and whitening strips which can be bought in supermarkets, online, and in the dentists office.

How to spot stained teeth/symptoms

Stained teeth can be quite easy to spot due to the discolouration that is associated with it. On the front teeth staining will appear as a patchy bit of discolouration that can vary from a red, yellow or brown hue.

On the back teeth, you may not be able to spot this, familiarise yourself with your mouth and take a look. If you can’t see it in a mirror, it’s probable nobody else but your dentist will be able to.