Brown spots on teeth is a common occurrence. Making specific lifestyle modifications or seeking dental treatment can typically prevent or eradicate them.
The colour of these dots might range from yellowish-brown to black-brown. The shape and size of the brown spots can also vary. Some people may detect uneven blotchy patches while others will notice brown lines on the teeth.
In the following article, we discuss the causes for brown spots on teeth and how one can fix this issue:
What Causes Brown Spots on Teeth?
There are several causes including:
- Food and drinks containing chromogens
- Dental decay
- Nicotine and tobacco
- Ageing
- Genetics
- Medications
- Old dental work
- Celiac disease
- Enamel hypoplasia (thin enamel)
- Fluorosis (excess of fluoride)
How to Fix Spots on Teeth?
The best treatment for brown spots depends on what is causing them. To remove brown spots, you can try certain home remedies, over-the-counter treatments, or professional dental treatments.
At-home Treatments
Stains on teeth created by foods, drinks, or lifestyle behaviours such as smoking can be removed with the following home remedies:
- Every few days, brush your teeth with a baking soda and water mixture
- Every day or every few days, rinse your mouth with a weak hydrogen peroxide solution. After that, always rinse your mouth with water. Ask your dentist how to make the hydrogen peroxide solution
Stained teeth can also be treated using a variety of over-the-counter treatments. Results are usually visible after 1–2 weeks, but there is no guarantee. Some such treatments that you can try include:
- Whitening mouthwashes and rinses that contain hydrogen peroxide
- Toothpaste with sodium hypochlorite
- Whitening strips that contain carbamide peroxide
- Whitening trays with carbamide peroxide bleaching gel
Professional Dental Treatments
At times, at-home remedies or over-the-counter treatments do not work because the brown spots on the teeth may be a result of medical conditions or tartar. This is when you need to visit a dentist so you can get professional treatment.
Tartar and plaque are scraped, blasted, or rubbed away from teeth by a dentist or dental hygienist using certain instruments. Minor procedures to whiten teeth and protect them from additional deterioration may also be performed by a dentist. Bleaching and using topical fluoride are two examples.
Celiac disease causes permanent tooth discolouration. The majority of stains and spots caused by fluorosis or tooth decay are also permanent. A dentist may be able to disguise permanent or stubborn dark patches on the teeth, or prevent future discolouration, with the following procedures:
- Tooth-coloured composite fillings
- Dental veneers
- Dental crowns
You may also be advised to wear a nightguard or retainer.
Dental Office in Chula Vista
Dr Nick Addario’s dental office in Chula Vista offers a wide range of quality and affordable dental treatments. If you have stains on your teeth, we can provide you with the appropriate treatment to fix the issue. Call or visit the clinic to learn more or book an appointment.