Having brown stains on your teeth can be unsightly and embarrassing. Many factors can cause tooth discoloration, including food and drink, smoking, medications, trauma, age, and improper oral hygiene. The good news is that for most people, brown stains can be removed or improved with professional whitening treatments and good at-home care. Here we’ll explore the common causes of brown teeth and provide tips for cleaning away stains to reveal a brighter, whiter smile.
What Causes Brown Teeth?
There are many potential causes of brown stains on your teeth. Understanding what may be discoloring your smile can help you better treat and prevent stains.
Foods and Drinks
Consuming staining foods and drinks over time can cause stubborn brown stains on your teeth. Some of the top culinary culprits include:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Red wine
- Cola
- Curries or sauces with turmeric
- Berries
- Tomato sauce
- Balsamic vinegar
- Soy sauce
- Beets
The deep colors from these foods and drinks seep into the microscopic pits and cracks in your enamel. With repeated consumption over time, the stains become more pronounced and stubborn.
Smoking
Tobacco use is infamous for staining teeth brown. The tar and nicotine in cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco products cling to your teeth and create stubborn brownish-yellow stains. These stains often form in the crevices along the gumline and between teeth.
Medications
Certain prescription medications can alter the color of your teeth. Antibiotics like tetracycline, some heart medications, high blood pressure drugs, and antipsychotics are examples of medicines known to stain teeth.
Trauma
Injuries that result in tooth discoloration include cracks, chips, and dental decay. When the inner dentin layer is exposed, it can appear yellowish. Trauma to the nerve or pulp tissues inside a tooth can also cause the entire tooth to darken over time.
Age
As you get older, the outer enamel layer of your teeth naturally becomes thinner with wear. This allows the yellower dentin underneath to show through more. Older restorations and fillings can also stain and darken with time and look more noticeable against thinning enamel.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Not properly or thoroughly brushing and flossing your teeth allows plaque and tartar to build up. These deposits trap stains from food and drinks. A build-up of calculus hardens on your teeth if not removed regularly through professional cleanings.
How to Remove Brown Stains
Now that you know what typically causes brown stains, let’s look at ways to brighten your smile.
Professional Whitening Treatments
For moderate to severe brown staining or for a fast way to whiten significantly discolored teeth, professional whitening is your best option. There are two main methods:
In-Office Whitening
This procedure is performed at your dentist’s office in about an hour. A concentrated peroxide-based gel is applied to the teeth, then accelerated with light or heat to rapidly lift stains. Dramatic results are seen after one session.
Custom Take-Home Whitening Trays
Your dentist makes personalized trays that fit your teeth precisely. You’re given whitening gel with lower peroxide concentrations to place in the trays at home for 30 minutes to an hour a day. This gradual process typically lightens teeth eight shades or more over one to two weeks.
Over-the-Counter Whitening
For milder stains, over-the-counter whitening kits you can use at home may be effective. Options include:
- Whitening strips – These adhere directly to your teeth and use peroxides to lift stains.
- Whitening pens – Apply the peroxide-based formula directly to stains with an applicator tip.
- Whitening gels – Use a small brush to apply concentrated formula to stain-prone areas.
- Whitening toothpastes – Look for brands with added polishing agents or peroxides.
Results with over-the-counter products tend to be subtler and take weeks of consistent use.
Daily Oral Hygiene
An effective daily cleaning routine is key for preventing new stains and keeping your teeth white after professional treatments.
Brushing
Gently brush teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Take your time to thoroughly brush all tooth surfaces – especially where stains gather along the gumline.
Flossing
Floss once daily to remove plaque and food deposits between teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach.
Rinsing
Swish daily with an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria that contribute to stains and gum disease. Look for brands formulated to help control tartar and whiten teeth.
Avoid Stain Causes
Cut back on staining food and drinks. Drink them quickly with a straw to minimize contact with teeth. Rinse your mouth with water after consuming them. If you smoke, try to quit to prevent more stains.
Dental Visits
Get cleanings every six months to keep stains and calculus at bay. See your dentist right away if you have tooth trauma.
Homemade Natural Whitening Remedies
For mild stains, you may try making some simple natural whitening remedies using common household ingredients.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a mildly abrasive powder that can help scrub away surface stains. Make a paste by mixing 1 tsp baking soda with a bit of water or lemon juice. Apply to teeth for 1-2 minutes, then rinse. Do this once or twice per week.
Hydrogen Peroxide
The low levels of hydrogen peroxide sold at drugstores can naturally bleach teeth. Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water. Swish the solution in your mouth for 1-2 minutes daily before brushing.
Coconut Oil
Swishing coconut oil around your mouth may help remove plaque that contributes to stains. Do this for 1-2 minutes once or twice a week. You can also mix it with baking soda.
Fruits and Vegetables
Rubbing sliced strawberries, pineapple, apples, carrots, or oranges on your teeth can help lift stains thanks to the acid and abrasive texture when done gently. Rinse well afterward.
Charcoal
Activated charcoal powder is believed to pull stains off teeth with its highly porous texture. Mix about 1/2 tsp powder with water or coconut oil, apply to teeth, let sit briefly, then rinse. Use gently, as it may abrade enamel over time.
| Remedy | Method | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Baking Soda | Mix with water into paste, apply to teeth, rinse | 1-2 times per week |
| Hydrogen Peroxide | Mix with water, swish in mouth, brush teeth | Daily |
| Coconut Oil | Swish in mouth for 1-2 minutes | 1-2 times per week |
| Fruits & Vegetables | Rub sliced produce on teeth, rinse | As desired |
| Charcoal Powder | Mix with water or oil, apply to teeth, rinse | Weekly |
When to See Your Dentist
Home remedies can help maintain whiter teeth between professional cleanings. However, visit your dentist if:
- Stains are severe or widespread
- Teeth are highly sensitive after whitening
- You experience pain, swelling, or bleeding of the gums
- White spots appear on your teeth after using home remedies
- Stains return quickly despite good oral hygiene
The dentist can check for cavities, tooth damage, gum disease, and other problems that may be causing stubborn discoloration issues. Signs of tooth trauma or nerve damage may require treatment beyond just teeth whitening.
Professional Whitening Considerations
While professional whitening performed by your dentist can give you dramatic results, keep these factors in mind:
Tooth Sensitivity
Higher peroxide concentrations make teeth more prone to sensitivity during and after whitening. This usually subsides within a few days. Desensitizing toothpastes can help.
Gum Irritation
Whitening products can cause temporary gum inflammation. This is minimized by using custom trays that protect your gums.
Dental Work Staining
Crowns, veneers, fillings, and other restorations will not whiten with your natural teeth. They may need replacement afterward to match your new smile.
Maintenance
While teeth lighten dramatically with professional whitening, the results are not permanent. You’ll need occasional touch-ups – usually once a year – to maintain your white smile.
Conclusion
Brown tooth stains are a common cosmetic dental concern. Stains arise from consuming staining foods and drinks, smoking, medications, trauma, age, and poor hygiene. Professional whitening gives the best results for significant discoloration. Over-the-counter products can also help lighten mild stains. For home use, natural remedies like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, oils, and fruits may further brighten your smile.
The key is to also prevent stains by brushing and flossing thoroughly each day, rinsing your mouth, drinking staining foods quickly or through a straw, and avoiding tobacco. See your dentist right away if stains don’t respond to natural remedies or if you have tooth pain, damage, or other oral health concerns.
With professional treatments and diligent daily care, you can remove unsightly brown stains for a whiter, brighter, more confident smile.