How to remove stains from teeth

Your teeth can lose their sparkle for all sorts of reasons, from the food and drinks you enjoy to getting older, smoking or vaping. That’s why there’s no one-size-fits-all fix, and the best way to tackle discolouration depends on what’s causing it in the first place.

Sometimes, simple steps like regular brushing, flossing between your teeth or having a professional clean can help. But in some cases whitening by a dentist may be an appropriate treatment, so chatting to your dentist about different options is a good place to start.

Your dentist may consider a range of factors when assessing your teeth for whitening treatment.

“These include the cause of the stain, the length of time it’s been present, and even the age of the tooth,” says Dr Cichero.

From at-home kits to visiting the dentist, let’s investigate what could work for you.

READ MORE: How to brush your teeth properly

What causes stains on teeth and discolouration?

Some foods, drinks, and everyday habits can stain the outer surface of the teeth - a type of discolouration known as extrinsic staining.

“Extrinsic staining often comes from diet or lifestyle, and is more readily removed with cleaning or whitening [by a dentist],” says Dr Cichero.

Some common factors are:
 

• Smoking cigarettes and vapes (e-cigarettes)
• Drinking red wine, coffee or tea
• Eating certain spices, like turmeric, and berries and even coloured foods like beetroot.

“A good rule of thumb is anything that will stain a white t-shirt, will stain your teeth,” says Dr Cichero. “Some stains in t-shirts are easy to remove, others are not, and it’s the same with teeth.”

There can be other reasons for teeth staining too, which can cause both extrinsic staining and staining inside the tooth, known as intrinsic staining.
 

• An injury to your teeth
• Aging – as the enamel layer on your teeth starts to wear away
• Tooth decay
• A problem with the dental pulp (soft tissue inside the tooth)
• Old fillings.

“Intrinsic staining can be due to disruption to the development of the tooth, or changes from a loss of vitality following a blow,” says Dr Cichero. “It is much more difficult to manage, and will always involve custom dental care with a dentist.”

READ MORE: Can yellow teeth be healthy?

How to remove stains from teeth at home

The Australian Dental Association¹ advises teeth whitening should only be carried out by trained dental practitioners, so they can assess your needs and safely treat you.

Only registered dental practitioners can use strong whitening gels and products that contain more than 6% hydrogen peroxide, which may provide greater whitening effects under dental supervision.

Dr Cichero explains “...the effectiveness of off-the-shelf products is highly variable. In addition, without the involvement of a dentist, the patient won't know the underlying cause of the discolouration.”

Over-the-counter whitening toothpastes are available in supermarkets and pharmacies.

According to the Australian Dental Association², they work in three main ways:
 

• Abrasives: Can help remove plaque and surface stains without damaging the tooth enamel and dentine.
• Peroxide: Used in some whitening toothpastes, any results are likely only seen on the surface level, rather than changing the colour of the teeth.
• Stain-blocking ingredients: Certain products can help prevent pigments from sticking to the plaque on your teeth and staining them. These are commonly included in whitening toothpastes.

How does the dentist whiten your teeth?

In-chair whitening

This is done at your dental clinic by a dentist, and this treatment uses a particular type of gel. You may also have a light placed over your teeth to achieve the whitening. Your dentist could also give you a take-home whitening product to help keep your teeth white.

Take-home teeth whitening

If you opt for this take-home treatment, your dentist will supervise your treatment and give you custom-made plastic trays that fit over your teeth. Your dentist will advise you how to apply the whitening gel, and how long you should wear the trays. This method may take longer than in-chair whitening.

Internal bleaching

Sometimes, treatment can whiten the inside of a tooth. If your teeth have been injured or you’ve had root canal treatment that has caused internal staining, your dentist might recommend this as an option. Whitening treatment is placed in the centre of the tooth by your dentist and is then removed by the dentist.

Does teeth whitening work on crowns, veneers or fillings?

“Unfortunately whitening products only work on natural teeth,” says Dr Cichero. “When fillings, crowns and veneers are made, the dentist will choose the best colour on the day to match your existing teeth, or if a number of teeth are being done, to the colour you wish to achieve. Whitening will not restore vitality to crowns, veneers or fillings, and alternative options should be discussed with your dentist.”

Can natural products whiten your teeth?

Brushing teeth with charcoal powder, rinsing with apple cider vinegar and using baking soda have all been promoted online as ways to remove stains from teeth. However, these acidic and abrasive products can damage tooth enamel.

“Despite teeth being very hard, they are still vulnerable to attack,” says Dr Cichero. “Teeth like to sit in what is called a pH-neutral environment. Acidic environments that develop if you drink lemon juice or apple cider vinegar drastically soften the outer layer (enamel) and make the tooth highly vulnerable to wear and decay.

“Just as a rock sitting under a waterfall will eventually erode, constant force and pressure from an abrasive substance such as baking soda or charcoal will also erode the enamel, placing teeth at risk of damage and expensive repairs or potential loss.”

READ MORE: How often should you get your teeth professionally cleaned?

What are the risks of teeth whitening?

Whitening treatments offered outside of dental supervision, including at some beauty salons and DIY home kits, may put your teeth and oral health at risk. For example, if whitening gels or bleaches are used incorrectly, they can burn your gums.

After teeth whitening you may find your teeth are more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, but your dentist can give you advice on how to prevent or manage that.

When should you see a dentist about teeth whitening?

“I recommend anyone wanting to change the colour of their teeth see a dentist before trying anything,” says Dr Cichero. “Most people would not attempt repairs to the brakes on your car without first visiting a mechanic to find out if that was the problem or not. So, seek the advice of a dentist to understand the full issue and how best to resolve it.”