How to remove dark stains from teeth

Dark tooth stains may be surface deposits or discoloration inside the tooth, so removal depends on the material and its cause.

Extrinsic stains sit on enamel and may come from tobacco, coffee, tea, or chromogenic plaque deposits. Intrinsic discoloration lies within enamel or dentin and may follow trauma, developmental changes, or exposure to certain substances during tooth formation. A dental examination distinguishes stain from tartar, decay, a crack, or a defective filling. The clinician may polish or scale surface deposits, while internal color change may require whitening or restorative treatment.

Brush with fluoride toothpaste, clean between teeth, and avoid scraping with metal tools or abrasive powders. A professional cleaning can remove calculus and stain; whitening should be planned only after decay and gum problems are assessed.

Seek care for a new single-tooth color change, a rough or soft dark area, pain, bleeding gums, or staining that does not improve with cleaning. A gray tooth after an injury needs dental assessment.

Is this surface stain, calculus, decay, or internal discoloration? Would cleaning, whitening, a filling, or another restoration address the cause, and how will existing restorations be handled?