Tooth staining is very common and can build up gradually over time, even with good oral hygiene. At Toothcare Dental, we offer professional stain removal treatments to help restore the natural brightness of your smile, while keeping your teeth healthy.
Tooth staining occurs when pigments from food, drink or lifestyle habits attach to the surface of the teeth or penetrate the enamel. Some stains are superficial and sit on the outer surface of the tooth, while others are deeper and more difficult to remove without professional care.
Food and Drink
Tea, coffee, red wine, curry and dark-coloured foods are some of the most common causes of surface staining.
Smoking and Tobacco Use
Nicotine and tar from cigarettes and other tobacco products cause stubborn brown or yellow stains that are difficult to remove with brushing alone.
Plaque and Tartar Build-Up
When plaque is not fully removed, it hardens into tartar, which attracts stains and discolouration.
Ageing
As enamel naturally thins with age, the darker dentine underneath becomes more visible, making teeth appear more yellow.
Medications and Trauma
Certain medications and injuries to teeth can cause internal staining that cannot be removed with home care.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Infrequent brushing and flossing allows stains, plaque and bacteria to build up on the tooth surface, leading to visible discolouration over time.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Brushing twice daily and cleaning between your teeth helps prevent plaque build-up that traps stains.
Limit Stain-Causing Foods and Drinks
Reducing tea, coffee and red wine - or rinsing with water afterwards - can help minimise staining.
Avoid Smoking
Stopping smoking significantly reduces staining and improves overall oral health.
Use a Straw for Cold Drinks
Using a straw helps reduce contact between staining drinks and your teeth.
Rinse With Water After Meals
Rinsing your mouth with water after eating or drinking helps wash away staining substances before they can settle on the teeth.
Keep Up Regular Dental Check-Ups
Routine check-ups allow early staining to be identified and professionally managed before it becomes more noticeable.
A thorough clean removes plaque, tartar and surface stains, leaving teeth smoother and brighter.
Air polishing uses a controlled jet of air, water and fine powder to gently remove stubborn surface stains, particularly from tea, coffee and smoking.
Regular visits to our hygienist help control staining and maintain a cleaner, fresher smile.
If staining is deeper or teeth appear dull or yellow overall, our professional boutique whitening may be recommended to brighten your smile safely.
Early assessment ensures the most appropriate and effective treatment.
At Toothcare Dental in Wigmore, Gillingham, we provide professional stain removal for patients across Medway, including Gillingham, Chatham, Sittingbourne and Maidstone. Our team will assess the cause of staining and recommend the most suitable treatment to help you achieve a cleaner, brighter smile.
Tea, coffee, red wine and smoking are the most common causes of tooth staining. Over time, these pigments attach to the tooth surface and build up, even with good brushing.
Light surface staining can sometimes be reduced with good oral hygiene and lifestyle changes. However, established or heavy stains usually require professional cleaning or treatment to be removed safely and effectively.
Yes. Professional stain removal carried out by a qualified dentist or hygienist is safe and designed to protect your enamel while removing plaque, tartar and surface stains.
This varies depending on your diet, habits and oral health. Many patients benefit from regular hygienist visits every three to six months to keep staining under control.
Stain removal cleans the surface of the teeth and removes external stains. Teeth whitening lightens the natural colour of the teeth and is used when deeper discolouration is present.
Staining can return over time, especially if you drink tea, coffee or smoke. Regular hygiene visits and good home care help keep your teeth cleaner and brighter for longer.
We value every patient’s experience and take pride in the trust they place in our care. Their feedback not only helps us improve but also reflects the quality of service we’re committed to delivering to every patient. Read what our patients have to say about their time at our practice in Wigmore, Gillingham, Kent.
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