Your guide to causes, prevention and removal of black tartar on teeth

7 min. read

Have you ever smiled in your mirror and discovered that your teeth have the starts of a brown or black spot? Tooth decay, tartar build-up and other causes of tooth discoloration can’t be removed by simply scratching it away with your nail. So, what can you do about a black stain on your tooth?

Don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this article we will explore the main causes of black and brown stains on teeth including:

Poor oral hygiene
Diet
Smoking
Caries
Dental plaque and tartar

Black and brown stains on teeth: The main causes of tooth discoloration

Black and brown stains on teeth are mostly caused by external factors, in these cases they are given the name “extrinsic” discoloration. Enamel is slightly porous, so can end up stained even by certain types of foods. Here are details of the main tooth stain causes:

Dental plaque.¹ Oral microbes and bacteria interact with food and drink you consume and lead to a build-up of plaque. Untreated, plaque can lead to tartar and create brown and black tartar on teeth.
Poor oral hygiene.² Improper or inefficient toothbrushing and oral care can lead to an increase in dental plaque and subsequently tartar that leaves black and brown stains on teeth.
Food and drink.³ Dietary choices such as coffee, tea, red wine, and even spices such as turmeric and saffron can be some of the main causes of tooth discoloration.
Tobacco products.⁴ Whether you smoke cigars, cigarettes, or pipes, or even chew tobacco, chemical ingredients like nicotine and tar can attack enamel and gums leaving behind black tartar on teeth.
Cavities.⁵ When tooth decay is left to create caries, they can look like small dark stains inside your teeth, especially molars. Furthermore, they can be accompanied by tooth sensitivity.

In addition, discoloration can also be “intrinsic”. This is when the brown and black stains on your teeth are from inside the tooth. In these cases, the following are causes of tooth discoloration:⁶

Pathology and underlying health conditions such as celiac disease
Medicines such as antibiotics
Genetics
Dead tooth roots
Trauma leading to nerve damage

How to remove brown stains on teeth

In some cases where you only have a mild brown or black dot on your tooth you can remove these stains on teeth at home. Here are some top tips to remove extrinsic brown stains on teeth:

Use toothpowder.⁷ Used in a similar fashion to toothpaste, toothpowder has been used for centuries and can help to reduce plaque, prevent gum disease, and remove brown stains on teeth.
Give your teeth a thorough clean. If you catch the discoloration early, following the proper method to clean your teeth can be enough to remove the layer of plaque and bacteria causing the discolored spots on your teeth.

Electric rotating and sonic toothbrushes will do the best job of removing mild staining on your teeth.8 The Philips Sonicare DiamondClean will offer you a deep clean, removing up to 10x more plaque than a regular manual toothbrush.

In cases where tooth discoloration is intrinsic, or where the stains are widespread and severe, you will require an additional medical opinion to remove stains on teeth. Your dentist or dental hygienist will be able to offer advice and treatment options.

How to prevent black stains on teeth

Whilst there are a few options to remove stains on your teeth at home if they are mild, or with your dentist if they are more extensive, prevention is the best remedy! Here are a few top tips to help you prevent the causes of tooth discoloration:

Change your food habits. Some simple options include cutting back on foods that cause discoloration and ensuring you brush your teeth half an hour after consuming anything that may lead to stains. Additionally, simple steps like adding milk to your tea or coffee can help to reduce the staining effects.⁹
Quit smoking.¹⁰ Not only is this a great choice for your overall health but avoiding tobacco products will be a great way to prevent the build-up of plaque and tartar.
Make sure you have excellent oral hygiene. If you don’t brush your teeth properly, you’re letting dark dental tartar become embedded and ruin your smile. Remember to brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes.
Remember to floss regularly. This is key to cleaning hard-to-reach interdental spaces. Plaque and bacteria in these spaces can promote the development of caries and diseases such as gingivitis 11 as well as causing bad breath.¹²
Drink plenty of water.¹³ Using water to rinse your mouth after eating sugary or acidic foods will help you to avoid cavities that can cause black stains on your teeth.
Book a checkup with your dentist. You should book in at least once a year,¹⁴ or more regularly if you see severe dental plaque accumulating. They can advise the best treatment to remove brown stains on teeth as well as help you avoid serious health problems, just like cavities.

Black and brown stains on teeth are not just a cosmetic problem but can often be a sign of oral hygiene problems or certain food habits. With this guide you now know the steps to remove brown stains on teeth at home when they’re mild, and when it’s time to book to visit the dentist. Now there is no need to worry about stained and discolored teeth, and enjoy a bright, white, sparkling smile.

The advice in this article is given only as information and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your dentist or a health professional as quickly as possible in case of oral problems, they will be able to diagnose and treat any possible problem.

Sources:

Your guide to causes, prevention and removal of black tartar on teeth

Black and brown stains on teeth: The main causes of tooth discoloration

How to remove brown stains on teeth

DiamondClean 9000 Series

Power Toothbrush Special Edition

Cordless Power Flosser 3000

Oral Irrigator

How to prevent black stains on teeth

Your guide to causes, prevention and removal of black tartar on teeth

Black and brown stains on teeth: The main causes of tooth discoloration

How to remove brown stains on teeth

DiamondClean 9000 Series Power Toothbrush Special Edition

Cordless Power Flosser 3000 Oral Irrigator

How to prevent black stains on teeth

DiamondClean 9000 Series

Power Toothbrush Special Edition

Cordless Power Flosser 3000

Oral Irrigator