How to clean stains off teeth
Surface stains can often be reduced with professional cleaning and plaque control, but stains inside enamel need a different approach.
What is the direct answer?
Surface stains can often be reduced with professional cleaning and plaque control, but stains inside enamel need a different approach.
What does this question mean?
Extrinsic stains sit on enamel, while intrinsic discoloration lies within enamel or dentine. Tartar is hardened plaque that a toothbrush cannot remove.
What can you do next?
Brush with fluoride toothpaste, clean between teeth, and ask for scaling and polishing when deposits are hardened.
When should you seek dental care?
Book care for a new, one-sided, rough, painful, or non-removable mark. Avoid abrasive powders, acids, and sharp tools.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the colour is on the surface or inside the tooth, and whether cleaning, whitening, a filling, or another treatment fits.
Frequently asked questions
What is the usual first step?
A dental examination identifies the cause before treatment is selected.
When should I seek care?
Seek care for persistent, worsening, painful, or unexplained changes.