This blog has been reviewed and approved by Dr Robert Lee, a dental professional of 35 years
Everybody wants a perfect smile, and maintaining good oral hygiene at home is the best way to ensure your teeth shine. It is natural then, that the emergence of brown spots on your teeth can cause concern about your health or appearance.
Brown colouration on your teeth can range from spots to larger stains, and subtle in colour to bold and noticeable. While you may imagine that these spots appearing are a sign of poor oral hygiene, this isn’t always the case, and there are several reasons brown stripes on your teeth may appear.
Fortunately, getting rid of these spots is typically quite simple, and only requires a few adjustments to your oral hygiene routine. Keep reading to see what the causes of brown teeth may be, and the best ways to get rid of them if they’re affecting you.
Causes of Brown Spots on Teeth
Tooth Decay
One of the most common causes of brown spots on teeth is tooth decay. Excess consumption of sugary, starchy foods and drinks leads to a buildup of plaque on the surface of your teeth. If left unremoved, this plaque releases acids which breaks down your enamel and leaves behind brown stains on teeth, and cavities.
Fluorosis
In mild amounts, fluoride helps protect our teeth from decay, but too much fluoride can result in a discolouration of tooth enamel.
The intake of too much fluoride is called fluorosis, and mild fluorosis is marked by white lines or streaks on the teeth. Grey, black, and brown stains on the teeth are possible, but these are indicative of more severe fluorosis. This condition is very rare, but is not serious, and only has cosmetic effects on the teeth.
Tartar
Not regularly removing plaque from your teeth causes it to harden and turn into a substance called tartar. Tartar is often yellow or brown, and appears along the gumline, making it a very common cause of brown stains on teeth.
Celiac Disease
People with Celiac disease often have poorly developed enamel that is translucent, or dotted with white, yellow, or brown spots. Brown spots on teeth are quite common for people with Celiac disease, especially children with the condition.
Smoking
Smoking, or more specifically nicotine, is one of the main causes of brown spots on teeth. Products such as chewing tobacco, pipe tobacco, cigars, and cigarettes are all causes of brown teeth.
Other Causes
Among the most common other causes of brown teeth are dental trauma and fevers. Dental trauma which damages nerves can result in a tooth turning brown, and in rare cases, a high fever during tooth development stage can result in brown marks or spots on the erupted teeth.
Treatment for Brown Spots on Teeth
Removing brown stains from teeth can be easy if you can quickly and accurately identify the causes of the marks. See your dentist for a check-up as soon as you notice the spots and see what advice they can provide.
The most common methods of professional treatment for getting rid of brown spots on teeth include:
Professional teeth cleaning can remove tartar and plaque buildup.
Teeth whitening can reduce the visibility and prominence of brown spots on teeth, regardless of the cause.
Veneers can cover the effects of brown stains on teeth if whitening is not sufficient.
Home Remedies for Brown Stains on Teeth
There are some easy home remedies for brown stains on teeth that don’t require a great deal of change to your lifestyle or habits. The most important thing you can do is pay attention to oral hygiene. Establish a routine of brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing afterwards. Brushing with baking soda can help reverse brown spots on teeth, so try mixing it with water and using this paste occasionally.
Apple cider vinegar diluted with water can also help dissolve stains and whiten teeth. Use this mixture as a mouthwash and gargle it after brushing to help get rid of brown spots on your teeth.
Preventing Brown Spots on Teeth
Preventing brown spots on teeth can be easy if you know what to look out for and pay attention to. Some of the easiest ways to ensure that you don’t get brown stains on your teeth include:
Adapting your diet – Avoiding food that is overly sugary or starchy prevents the buildup of plaque and tartar and keeps your enamel healthy.
Good oral hygiene – Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing, and using mouthwash are all effective ways to maintain good oral hygiene and minimise the risk of brown spots on teeth.
The right equipment – High-quality dental equipment can take your oral hygiene routine to the next level. Oscillating-rotating electric toothbrushes, Satin, or Super floss, and Pro-Expert toothpaste will all help prevent brown stains on teeth.
FAQs about Brown Spots on Teeth
How to get rid of brown spots on teeth overnight?
It’s unlikely you’ll be able to get rid of brown spots on your teeth overnight, but there are some easy ways you can work toward getting rid of them including using baking soda to brush your teeth, gargling apple cider vinegar, and getting a professional clean, are all things that can help remove brown spots from teeth.
Can you remove brown spots on teeth at home?
Yes, there are plenty of home remedies for brown spots on teeth including brushing baking soda and water on your teeth, gargling apple cider vinegar and water, using an oscillating-rotating electric toothbrush and ensuring you have a good oral hygiene routine.
