Stained teeth How to treat and prevent stained teeth: A complete guide
Many of us worry about stained teeth, especially when we want to make a good impression. A bright, healthy smile can do wonders for your confidence. But what can you do if your teeth aren’t looking their best? At Spa Dental Clinic, we’re here to help you understand what causes stained teeth and what treatments are available to safely and effectively restore your natural smile.
What are stained teeth?
Stained teeth refer to discolouration that affects the surface or the inside of the tooth. Stains can range from yellowing to brown or even grey shades. While some people naturally have darker teeth, others develop stains over time due to lifestyle habits, diet, or certain health conditions.
Stains fall into two main categories:
1. Extrinsic stains – these affect the outer enamel surface, often due to things like coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco.
2. Intrinsic stains – these go deeper into the tooth and can be caused by trauma, certain medications, or excess fluoride during tooth development.
Learn more about the different types of tooth stains on Colgate’s guide to stain removal.

Common causes of stained teeth
Understanding what causes stained teeth can help you prevent future discolouration and choose the right treatment.
1. Food and drink
Dark-coloured beverages like tea, coffee, cola, and red wine are known culprits. Acidic or sugary foods can also wear down enamel, making stains more likely to develop.
2. Smoking
Tobacco use, whether through smoking or chewing, is one of the most common causes of persistent tooth staining.
3. Poor oral hygiene
Not brushing and flossing regularly allows plaque and tartar to build up, which can trap stains and dull your smile.
4. Ageing
As we get older, the enamel wears down, revealing more of the yellowish dentin underneath.
5. Medications and medical conditions
Certain antibiotics like tetracycline can cause intrinsic staining, especially if taken during early childhood. Some medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, can also affect tooth colour.
Find out more about tooth discolouration causes and symptoms at Cleveland Clinic and Healthline.
How to treat stained teeth
At Spa Dental Clinic, we offer a range of safe, professional solutions to tackle stained teeth effectively. Here are your options:
1. Airflow polishing
One of our most popular options is Airflow dental treatment. This is a gentle but highly effective way to remove surface stains and plaque using a mix of water, air, and a fine powder. It’s completely non-invasive and ideal for patients with sensitive teeth.
2. Zoom! Teeth Whitening
Our Zoom! Teeth Whitening treatment delivers quick, noticeable results. Using safe, light-activated gel, we can whiten teeth by several shades in just one visit. It’s a great option for those looking for fast results ahead of an event or holiday.
3. Custom whitening trays
We also offer take-home whitening kits using custom-fitted trays. These provide a gradual, natural-looking improvement over one to two weeks, and are great for maintaining results after in-clinic whitening.
4. Routine hygiene appointments
Regular visits to our dental hygienists can keep stains at bay and remove hardened tartar. Prevention is key, and our team can advise on the best techniques and products for your daily routine.
Tips for preventing stained teeth
While professional treatment is effective, preventing new stains is just as important. Here are some simple but effective habits to adopt:
✅ Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
✅ Use a straw when drinking dark liquids.
✅ Rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking stain-causing items.
✅ Avoid smoking or using tobacco products.
✅ Schedule regular cleanings with your dentist.
If you’re unsure which habits might be affecting your teeth, our team at Spa Dental Clinic is always happy to help you put together a personalised care plan.
Why choose Spa Dental Clinic?
We pride ourselves on delivering excellent patient care with a friendly, professional approach. When it comes to treating stained teeth, we combine expert knowledge with advanced technology to provide results that speak for themselves.
✅ Experienced clinicians: Our dentists have years of experience in cosmetic and general dentistry.
✅ Tailored treatment plans: We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions.
✅ Flexible appointments: We work around your schedule, including evenings.
✅ Trusted by the community: Our patients return because they trust us with their smiles.
Explore our full range of dental treatments or book a consultation to get started.
Book your appointment today
If you’re tired of feeling self-conscious about your smile, don’t wait. Whether it’s everyday staining or more stubborn discolouration, we’re here to help. Our expert team will walk you through your options and make sure you feel confident every step of the way.
✅ Book your consultation now
✅ Explore our whitening services
✅ Learn about airflow polishing
Let’s brighten your smile — safely, professionally, and with care.