How to remove stains from teeth depends on where the stain is. Stains that sit on the surface of the tooth usually come off with a professional clean. Discolouration inside the tooth does not, and needs a different approach. This guide explains the common causes of stained teeth, what removes them, and which home remedies are suitable avoided.
What causes stained teeth?
Surface stains
Surface stains build up on the outside of the enamel. Common causes are:
- tea, coffee, red wine and cola
- strongly coloured foods such as curry and soy sauce
- smoking and vaping
- plaque and tartar that have picked up colour from food and drink
- some mouthwashes when used for a long time
Discolouration inside the tooth
Colour changes inside the tooth are harder to shift. They can be caused by:
- ageing, as enamel thins and the darker layer underneath shows through
- an injury that has damaged the nerve of a tooth, which can turn it grey
- some medicines taken while the teeth were forming
- tooth decay
- old fillings that have darkened or leaked
Brown, black or white marks: stain or decay?
Not every mark is a stain. Brown, black or white patches on a tooth can be an early sign of decay, and dark deposits near the gum line are often tartar. A mark that is new, rough, growing or sensitive should be checked by a dentist before you try to whiten it.
How to get rid of stains on teeth
- Professional clean. A scale and clean removes tartar and most surface stains, and is the first step for almost everyone. We also use Airflow cleaning to lift surface stain.
- Teeth whitening. If your teeth are still darker than you would like after a clean, whitening can lighten the natural tooth colour. It works only on natural teeth and should follow a check-up. See teeth whitening in Penrith.
- Replacing old fillings. Stained or leaking fillings in front teeth can be replaced with new tooth-coloured material.
- Bonding or veneers. Discolouration that does not respond to whitening can be covered with composite bonding or veneers.
Do home remedies remove teeth stains?
- Baking soda. It is a mild abrasive and can lift some surface stain, but it does not change the colour of the tooth itself and it contains no fluoride. It should not replace fluoride toothpaste.
- Charcoal powders and toothpastes. These can be abrasive, many contain no fluoride, and there is little good evidence that they whiten teeth.
- Lemon juice and vinegar. These are acids. They soften and wear away enamel, which makes teeth look more yellow over time. Avoid them.
- Oil pulling. There is no good evidence that swishing oil removes stains or whitens teeth, and it is not a substitute for brushing.
- Whitening toothpaste. It can help remove surface stain but will not noticeably change the natural colour of your teeth.
How to stop stains coming back
- Rinse with water after tea, coffee or red wine.
- Drink dark or acidic drinks through a straw where practical.
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth daily.
- Avoid smoking and vaping.
- Have a professional clean every six to twelve months.
Teeth stain FAQs
How do you remove black stains from teeth?
Black marks are often tartar or decay, and neither comes off with brushing. A dentist needs to look at them. Tartar is removed with a professional clean, and decay is treated with a filling.
How do you remove brown stains from teeth?
Brown surface stains from tea, coffee or smoking usually polish off during a professional clean. Brown marks that do not polish off should be checked for decay.
Can stained teeth be whitened?
Often, yes. Yellowing from age and surface staining usually responds well. Grey discolouration and marks from medicines respond less predictably, and crowns, veneers and fillings do not whiten at all.
Are teeth stain remover products from the chemist suitable?
Products vary. Abrasive powders and stain erasers can scratch enamel if overused. Have a check-up first so you know what is causing the stain.
Book a clean or whitening consultation in Penrith
Start with a check-up and clean so we can see what is causing the staining and what will remove it. Read our guide to teeth whitening in Australia, or book an appointment at Penrith Dental Care.
Source: Healthdirect Australia, Teeth whitening; Healthdirect Australia, Tooth decay (last reviewed February 2025). This article is general information only and does not replace an assessment with a registered dental practitioner.
Looking for more dental health tips? Browse all articles on the Penrith Dental Care blog, or meet the Penrith Dental Care team. Have a question? See our dental FAQ.
Reviewed by Mina Gibryal, Penrith Dental Care, October 2026. This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own dental practitioner.