For those who love coffee, tea, and wine, they can end up with discolored teeth especially brown stains in between teeth. There are different causes of brown stains. Although these are not harmful to your oral health, the discoloration might force one to smile less often due to the dull and spotted appearance of the teeth.
Luckily, there are several natural methods and professional options that can get rid of the brown stains and restore the clean appearance of your teeth. Read further to learn ways on how to remove brown stains in between teeth.
Table of Contents
How to clean brown stains between teeth
If you have brown stains between your teeth that you want to remove, you can use baking soda and water. Whitening toothpaste, strips, and rinses are often an even better solution. If the brown stains are caused by tartar or medical conditions, you should see a dentist.
Why are my teeth stained?
Certain foods and beverages can cause the yellow or brown stains in between your teeth. If you are wondering what happens to your teeth, read further to learn how it happens.
The enamel is the exterior layer of your tooth. It functions as a protective shell but once it is damaged, it will not grow back on its own. The enamel is the layer that becomes stained and changes color if a person frequently eats or drinks certain foods and beverages. If left alone, the stains can become permanent.
Home remedies on how to remove brown stains in between teeth
There are several remedies that you can try at home to remove brown stains in between your teeth.
- Baking soda and water. If you are not sure whether the brown stains are caused by certain foods or beverages, a simple home remedy you can use to whiten your teeth is baking soda. Prepare a paste by mixing baking soda and water. Brush your teeth with this mixture every few days along with your regular oral care regimen. Within a few weeks, you will see noticeable changes in the color of your teeth.
- Whitening products. You can find a wide selection of whitening products at your local drug store that can get rid of the brown stains. Whitening toothpaste, strips, and rinses can help restore the whiteness of your teeth.
Other over-the-counter options that you can try include rinses that contain hydrogen peroxide and whitening toothpaste that contains sodium hypochlorite.
When to see a dentist
If the brown stains in between your teeth are caused by tartar or medical conditions, it is best to see a dentist.
The dentist will use instruments to blast, scrape, or rub the tartar and plaque away from your teeth. In some cases, the dentist might perform minor procedures to whiten the teeth and protect them from further decay. These procedures include bleaching and the application of topical fluoride.
In case the discoloration is linked to certain diseases such as celiac disease, it is permanent. Most of the stains brought about by fluorosis or tooth decay are irreversible. The dentist can hide the permanent discolorations or prevent further staining by using veneers, white composite fillings, or crowns.
Will baking soda remove brown stains on teeth?
Baking soda has natural whitening qualities. This is why it is a well-known ingredient in commercial toothpaste. It is also a mild abrasive that scrubs away any surface stains on teeth. It also creates an alkaline environment in your mouth which prevents the growth of bacteria.
However, it is not the solution that can whiten your teeth in just one night but there is a difference in the appearance of your teeth over time. Based on several studies, it showed that using a toothpaste that contains baking soda has a significant whitening effect.
One study showed that toothpaste which contains baking soda are more effective in getting rid of yellow stains from teeth than the standard variants that do not contain baking soda. It simply shows that the higher the concentration of baking soda, the greater the cleaning effect.
How do I instantly remove stains on teeth?
If your teeth appear discolored, there are methods that you can use to remove stains, but it usually takes time.
Various treatment options can deal with teeth stains. You can keep your teeth healthy and clean by maintaining a regular oral hygiene regimen which includes brushing the teeth at least two times a day followed by daily flossing, yearly visits to your dentist, and limiting the consumption of teeth-staining foods and beverages. Remember that regular whitening maintenance can keep your teeth whiter and brighter.
Regardless of the discoloration that you have, you can try several safe, over-the-counter teeth-whitening products. You can also ask your dentist for suggestions on the best whitening options to remove the stains and discoloration.
Also check this: How to get rid of white spots on teeth from braces
What causes brown stains on teeth?
Brown stains on teeth are quite common. This type of discoloration can be prevented by making lifestyle adjustments or getting dental care. The stains can range in appearance from yellowish-brown to blackish-brown. Some might have sporadic, blotchy patches while others have brown outlines. Let’s take a look at some of the causes of brown stains on teeth.
- Foods and beverages. Several dark-colored foods and beverages contain chemicals, specifically chromogens. These chemicals can stain the tooth enamel. Over time, the stains can become permanent, especially if the person has poor oral hygiene.
- Nicotine and tobacco products. These include elements that can adhere to the tiny pores in the tooth enamel. With continued use, the particles accumulate and can discolor the teeth. The stains resulting from chewing, smoking, or dipping are likely to become darker and difficult to remove over time.
- Tartar. Bacteria in the mouth mix with saliva and food particles to form plaque, which is a sticky, transparent film. Once it hardens, it is called tartar. This is kept under control by brushing and flossing.
- Aging. As a person starts to age, the white-colored enamel protecting the teeth steadily deteriorates, revealing the layers of yellow dentin below. This natural procedure can result in yellowish-brown stains or patches as well as discoloration.
- Genetics. For each person, the natural tooth color varies and some might be darker than others.
- Medications. Certain medications can cause discoloration of teeth, especially the antibiotic tetracycline.
Final thoughts
There are various causes for ending up with brown stains in between your teeth. If you have staining in your teeth, you might find yourself unable to smile more often. Luckily, you can get rid of the brown stains. With the methods described on how to remove brown stains in between teeth, you can restore the clean and white appearance of your teeth in no time.
