Stains on your teeth may not go away with standard cleaning due to factors such as the type of stain, the cause, the effectiveness of your cleaning routine, or the whitening method being used. Some stains require professional intervention from a dentist.
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. For plaque or tartar, you'll likely need to schedule a dental cleaning to remove the brown stains.
The 2-2-2 rule in dentistry is a simple guideline for good oral hygiene: brush twice a day, for two minutes each time, and visit your dentist twice a year, helping to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems by establishing consistent habits for plaque removal and professional monitoring.
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.
Yes—professional whitening treatments offered in dental offices are designed to lift stubborn discoloration that everyday products cannot. Dentists assess the type of stains (surface vs. internal) and then recommend a safe, targeted approach to brighten the teeth.
It might be tempting to remove more tartar on your own. But doing this can damage your teeth and gums. Call your dentist if you notice tartar breaking off your teeth. They can remove the remaining tartar safely and effectively.
Whitening Toothpaste: Helps remove surface stains with mild abrasives and chemicals. Look for “whitening toothpaste for brown stains.” Whitening Strips: Apply directly to your teeth to lighten stains with regular use. These strips are effective for “brown teeth whitening strips.”
With Colgate's patented 5% hydrogen peroxide formula (our highest level in an over-the-counter whitening toothpaste), this teeth whitening toothpaste is whitening that works. Remove 15 years of stains* with this stain removal toothpaste, which fights stains.
A dental hygienist can effectively remove extrinsic stains using professional cleaning methods, such as scale and polish, or airflow stain removal. While these treatments don't whiten teeth in the same way as bleaching/whitening procedures, they can significantly improve the appearance of your smile and oral health.
You can't achieve 100% pure white teeth as natural teeth have slight variations, but you can get them very white and bright through professional treatments (veneers, in-office whitening) or at-home options (whitening strips, hydrogen peroxide rinses, baking soda pastes), alongside diligent oral hygiene, avoiding staining foods (coffee, red wine, tobacco), and regular dental checkups to prevent new stains and maintain results.
But is brushing our teeth three times a day too much? The short answer is no, brushing teeth 3 times a day is not too much. In fact, the American Dental Association recommends brushing teeth at least twice a day. However, there is more to good dental hygiene than just brushing frequently.
Here are the most common signs of overbrushing teeth:
Code 2 – Slight bleeding when probed, Calculus or Plaque present and gingival pockets under 3.5mm.
Some stains can be removed at our office, especially extrinsic stains which are fairly simple to remove. Unfortunately, many types of stains are permanent. In these cases, you can either undergo professional tooth whitening or choose crowns or veneers to whiten and brighten your smile.
The natural color of teeth can vary due to various factors, including genetics, age, and lifestyle habits. Some individuals naturally have teeth that are darker or have a yellowish tint. These teeth may have a denser enamel layer or more pigmented dentin, making them more resistant to whitening treatments.
Yes, $500 professional teeth whitening can be worth it for faster, more dramatic, and safer results with dentist supervision, boosting confidence, but it depends on your budget, goals, and dental health; DIY options exist but are less potent, while professional treatments offer customized trays and stronger agents for superior, longer-lasting whitening than over-the-counter products.
Our hygienists use a jet system to gently removing plaque and visible surface stains, which is suitable for everyone, even for those with sensitive teeth. This treatment works with a simple combination of 3 things - air, sodium bicarbonate and a jet of water.
8 Signs You're Overdue for a Dental Cleaning
Standard Appointments: Most routine cleanings and check-ups with a hygienist last about 30–45 minutes.
Teeth whitening at a dental surgery involves covering your teeth in a whitening gel then shining a laser onto them. It's faster and more effective than using gel on its own. Before the treatment, a soft shield or paste is used to protect your gums and you may be given dark or coloured glasses to protect your eyes.
Regular toothpaste often contains titanium dioxide, which gives this teeth-cleaning product that fresh, white color. Because of this, just dampening your shirt or jeans with water usually isn't enough to remove toothpaste stains completely.
Indeed, no toothpaste actually whitens. All toothpaste can do is remove stains from the surface of a tooth.
Although discoloration alone isn't a significant concern, when paired with poor oral health, it can contribute to some dental issues, such as: Cavities. Tooth decay. Bad breath.
Polishing the teeth helps scrape away the last of the staining particles, leaving you with a brighter smile. If you want to go a few shades lighter still, your dentist can give you an in-office whitening treatment. These treatments penetrate the pores in your teeth for a more thorough whitening effect.
A gentle sanding of the outer enamel layer can reduce or remove superficial brown or white spots. Dental professionals generally do this and may require removing a tiny layer of enamel. Best for: Stubborn spots that don't respond to remineralization or whitening.