Have you ever wondered why white, yellow or brown stains appear on your teeth? Today we explain what causes them and what can be done to remove them.

Yellow stains

These are the most common and are due to enamel wear, the hardest layer of the tooth, which covers it on the outside. When it wears down, besides looking yellow, the tooth becomes more sensitive to cold and heat.

Some causes of enamel wear:

  • Very acidic foods and substances: vinegar, citrus, stomach acid
  • Bruxism: the unconscious habit of clenching or grinding the teeth
  • Brushing too aggressively
Yellow stains
Brown stains

Brown stains

In most cases they are caused by tobacco or excessive consumption of coffee or alcohol, as well as other substances with a lot of coloring.

Besides staining the tooth, they upset the balance of bacteria in the mouth and encourage tartar to form, making cavities and gum disease more likely.

White stains

These are less common. They may be due to:

  • Decalcification in areas of the enamel, which may be the start of a cavity
  • A problem in the formation of the permanent teeth; in these cases the best option is dental veneers
  • Poor hygiene during orthodontic treatment: plaque builds up around the braces and the stains appear when they are removed
White stains

Frequently asked questions

It depends on the cause. Many surface stains are removed with a professional cleaning; deeper ones are corrected with veneers or cosmetic resins.

Cut down on coffee, tobacco and drinks with coloring, rinse after consuming them and get a cleaning every 6 months.

Get your teeth’s natural color back

We will tell you the best treatment for your type of stain.

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