How to remove deep stains from teeth at home

Deep tooth stains cannot always be removed at home because they may lie inside enamel or dentin, or arise from decay, a damaged pulp, or a restoration.

Brush twice daily with a soft brush, clean between teeth, and avoid abrasive powders, acids, and scraping tools. A dentist can polish external deposits and identify whether a dark area is stain, calculus, decay, or intrinsic discoloration.

Seek care for a new dark spot, a gray tooth, a hole, pain, sensitivity, bleeding, or a stain that affects only one tooth. These findings can indicate disease rather than cosmetic staining.

Ask whether the discoloration is external or internal, whether the tooth is sound, and which treatment matches its material and cause. Ask how existing fillings or crowns will appear after whitening.

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