Tooth staining is discolouration of the teeth, either on the surface or within the tooth itself, and it can usually be treated with a professional clean, teeth whitening, bonding or ICON resin infiltration.
The right treatment depends on the type of stain and what caused it, so a dental check is the best place to start.
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Key Points
Tooth staining can sit on the surface of the tooth or inside it, and each type needs a different treatment.
Most surface stains are cosmetic, but some changes in colour can be a sign of decay or a damaged nerve.
ICON resin infiltration can treat white spots without drilling, often alongside whitening.
What Is Tooth Staining?
Tooth staining is any change in the natural colour of your teeth, and it falls into two main types.
Extrinsic stains sit on the outer surface of the enamel. They are usually yellow or brown and are mostly caused by food, drink and smoking.
Intrinsic stains are inside the tooth. They can appear grey, brown or as white patches, and they are harder to remove because they are beneath the surface.
What Causes Tooth Staining?
Tooth staining is mainly caused by dark foods and drinks, smoking and plaque, although some stains come from inside the tooth.
Britain is a nation of tea and coffee lovers. According to the UK Tea and Infusions Association, we drink over 100 million cups of tea and 98 million cups of coffee every day.
Common causes include:
tea, coffee, red wine, cola, curry and berries
smoking and vaping
plaque and tartar build-up
some medicines and mouthwashes
too much fluoride while teeth were forming in childhood
a knock or injury to a tooth
natural thinning of enamel with age
White spots are also common after fixed braces. A review of 14 studies found that 45.8% of patients developed new white spots during treatment with fixed braces.
What Are the Symptoms of Tooth Staining?
The main symptom of tooth staining is a change in the colour of one or more teeth.
You may notice:
a yellow or brown tinge across your teeth
dark lines near the gum or between the teeth
chalky white spots or patches
a single tooth that looks greyer or darker than the rest
Staining is not usually painful. If a stained tooth is also sensitive or sore, see your dentist.
Is Tooth Staining Bad for Your Teeth?
Most surface staining is not bad for your teeth, but some stains can be a sign of a problem that needs treating.
A tooth that turns grey after a knock may have a damaged nerve. Brown or black spots can be a sign of decay, and chalky white spots may show early weakening of the enamel. Tartar build-up that causes staining can also lead to gum disease.
This is why it is worth having any new or unusual staining checked at your routine check-up.
How Is Tooth Staining Treated?
Tooth staining is treated in different ways depending on whether the stain is on the surface or inside the tooth.
The main options are:
a professional clean with a dental hygienist to remove surface stains and tartar
professional teeth whitening to lighten the overall shade
composite bonding to cover stains on individual teeth
veneers for deeper stains that do not respond to whitening
ICON resin infiltration for white spots
What Is ICON Treatment for Tooth Staining?
ICON is a resin infiltration treatment that reduces the appearance of white spots on teeth without drilling or injections.
White spots look chalky because the enamel underneath has become porous. ICON gently prepares the surface and then fills these tiny pores with a clear resin, which is set with a light. Once filled, the spot reflects light like the healthy enamel around it, so it blends in.
ICON is often used for white spots left after braces, mild fluorosis and very early enamel weakening. It is usually completed in a single visit and can be combined with whitening for an even, brighter finish. Whitening alone does not remove white spots and can sometimes make them more noticeable.
Are There Any Foods That Help With Tooth Staining?
Yes, some foods can help reduce surface staining, although no food will whiten your teeth on its own.
Helpful choices include:
Crunchy fruit and vegetables such as apples, carrots and celery, which boost saliva and help clean teeth
Cheese, milk and plain yoghurt, which help protect enamel
Water, which rinses away staining drinks
Drinking cold, dark drinks through a straw and rinsing with water afterwards can also help limit new stains.
How Can I Prevent Tooth Staining?
You can prevent most tooth staining by brushing well twice a day, cutting back on staining drinks and seeing your dentist and hygienist regularly.
Using a fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between your teeth and stopping smoking all make a big difference. Regular hygiene visits remove the build-up that home brushing cannot, keeping your smile brighter for longer.
