Types of teeth stains and how to remove them
Learn about different types of teeth stains and effective ways to remove them for a dynamic, brighter smile.
A bright, white smile is a confident smile. But if your teeth are feeling (and looking) a bit dull these days, it’s harder to let your true self shine. Whether it’s yellow stains or deep discoloration, stained teeth can keep you covering your mouth, or worse yet, keep you from enjoying life.
Teeth stains don’t have to be permanent. With the right treatments, you can bring back that radiant smile.
Let’s break down the different types of teeth stains, their common causes and the most effective ways to remove them for good. Plus, get the pro tips you need to keep your smile shining long after treatment.
Ready to take the first step toward a brighter smile right now? Schedule an appointment with your Aspen Dental care team to explore your options for treating tooth discoloration.
Types of teeth stains
We all know how coffee or tea can leave stains on our teeth. But did you know there’s more to tooth discoloration than just external stains? Let’s take a closer look at the two types of teeth stains:
What are some common causes of teeth stains?
Ever wonder why your teeth aren’t as bright as they used to be? Understanding what causes stains can help you prevent them. Here are some of the usual culprits:
Dark-colored foods and drinks: Love your coffee, tea, red wine or cola? Unfortunately, these (and even colorful candies or soy sauce) are known for staining teeth.
Smoking or tobacco use: Besides being harmful to your health, nicotine and tar can leave your teeth looking yellow or brown.
Poor oral hygiene: Skipping brushing or flossing gives plaque a chance to build up, which can lead to discoloration.
Aging: As we get older, enamel naturally wears down, revealing the yellowish dentin underneath.
Certain medications: Some meds, like antihistamines or blood pressure drugs, can cause staining. Even antibiotics taken during childhood can sometimes leave marks.
Other factors can also contribute to tooth stains. Dental trauma, excessive fluoride exposure, heavy tartar buildup, certain diseases and cancer treatments can all lead to discoloration.
And we can’t forget genetics—some of us are just more likely to have yellow or dull-looking teeth.
Ways to remove teeth stains
The right teeth whitening method for your teeth stains depends on their type, cause and severity. At Aspen Dental, we offer professional whitening solutions designed for real results—whether you’re looking for instant brightness or a gradual glow-up.
Let’s break down your in-office and at-home options:
In-office whitening
Want noticeably whiter teeth in just one visit? Our in-office whitening treatment, in partnership with GLO Science, can lighten your smile by up to 10 shades in a single 30-minute session.
Here’s how it works:
A medical-grade whitening gel is applied to your teeth.
An LED light activates the gel, breaking down stains quickly and effectively.
You leave with a dramatically brighter, more confident smile.
At-home whitening
For a pro-level whitening experience at home, Aspen Dental offers the So Brilliant™ Teeth Whitening Kit in partnership with GLO Science. Using heat and LED light technology, this kit removes up to 10 shades of stains in just five days—without sensitivity.
What’s included?
Patented warming mouthpiece
Five-pack of GLO Pods whitening gel
Controller, carry cord & charging cable
Vegan lip care & storage pouch
Whiten on your schedule with quick 8-minute sessions and see a noticeably brighter smile in days.
At-home whitening strips
For a budget-friendly, over-the-counter option, whitening strips offer a simple way to brighten your smile. These strips adhere to your teeth with a whitening gel that helps lift surface stains over time. You can usually find these at your local drugstore.
While whitening strips are convenient, they won’t deliver the same dramatic results as professional treatments. Some areas of your teeth may not whiten evenly, and results can vary.
Whitening toothpaste
If you’re looking for a gentler, low-commitment option, whitening toothpaste is widely available. These toothpastes are made with ingredients that help remove discoloration and prevent further staining.
Keep in mind that whitening toothpaste takes time to show results—and it’s generally better for maintaining an already white smile than reversing deep stains.
How to prevent teeth discoloration
The best way to deal with teeth stains is to stop them before they start. Here are some simple tips to keep your smile bright:
Limit staining foods and drinks: Cut back on items like coffee, tea, wine and colorful candies known to cause discoloration.
Use a straw: When drinking beverages that might stain, use a straw to minimize contact with your teeth.
Avoid tobacco products: Saying goodbye to cigarettes and chewing tobacco is one of the best things you can do for your teeth—and your health.
Practice good oral hygiene: Brush twice a day, floss regularly and use an antibacterial mouthwash to fight discoloration-causing plaque buildup.
Visit your dentist: Professional dental cleanings can remove stains and prevent discoloration from setting in. Regular dental check-ups also catch any potential dental health issues early on.
Teeth stains FAQs
Can badly stained teeth be whitened?
Yes! Even heavy stains can often be lightened with professional treatments. For deeper or more stubborn discoloration, consult your Aspen Dental care team for the best solution.
Are stained teeth unhealthy?
Not necessarily. Extrinsic stains caused by foods and drinks are mostly cosmetic, but intrinsic stains can sometimes signal underlying dental issues. A dentist can help identify the cause of your discoloration and guide you accordingly.
Can I reverse brown stains on teeth?
It depends on the cause. Stains due to smoking or diet are often reversible with whitening treatments, while others caused by tartar buildup or decay may require dental cleaning or fillings.
What vitamin deficiency causes teeth discoloration?
A lack of vitamin D can impact enamel health, potentially leading to discoloration. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in nutrients is essential for strong, healthy teeth.
Remove teeth stains and get your bright smile back
Stains don’t have to dull your shine. Whether caused by coffee, aging or an unexpected factor, there’s a whitening treatment ready to transform your teeth.
Aspen Dental makes it easy to restore your teeth to their brightest, whitest potential. Schedule an appointment today at your local Aspen Dental office to find a tooth whitening solution for you.