How do I get rid of black stains on my teeth

[2022isanewyear]

I have small black stains on my teeth. Every hygienist/dentist can't explain it - they say my teeth are good otherwise, and say the stains may be due to drinking tea, coffee or fizzy drinks. I tell them I don't drink any of those things, and they then say it could be some kind of bacteria which is just genetic. I've had these stains since my teen years but not since I was a child.

They tell me there isn't really a solution to the stains except for getting my teeth cleaned by the hygienist. That does the job, but you're only supposed to book appointments every 6 months (and I haven't been for much longer because of COVID!) and the stains appear before then. The dentists/hygienists usually don't recommend teeth whitening products to tackle this.

Does anyone have any advice on removing these stains? Thank you!!!!

I shouldn't say this but my dh used the dremel on mine with a foam pad on. Worked a treat!

I’m sorry this sounds difficult - how weird that they can be cleaned by the dentist and disappear but then return.

Can you definitely not visit the hygienist more often? This might sound patronising but are you brushing and flossing well? Just in case it’s build up?

@RightsHoardingRaptor wow I don't think I'm brave enough to do that! 😂

@Kanaloa the hygienists can clean them because they use specialist equipment to do so. I've asked what I can use to remove the stains and one hygienist laughed and said I'd just have to come to her because I obviously don't have access to their equipment!
Don't worry about sounding patronising - the dentists don't have concerns with my teeth re brushing etc. They don't even really know why I have these stains, after I mention I don't drink caffeine or smoke they're usually confused and say it might be a genetic thing (even though my parents don't have it). Apparently there isn't a lot of knowledge about these stains.

I’d be tempted to try something like this

In fact I’ve just added one to my amazon basket. Not tried it myself though (yet).

Can you go private just for the cleaning?

My DH had to go private to get an old bridge replaced because what the NHS offered him was useless and uncomfortable and he said the deep clean he had was second to none.

It wasn't cheap but they offered a monthly payment plan that was affordable to us.

Oh that sounds so weird. It’s a shame you couldn’t visit the hygienist every other month instead, wouldn’t that be possible? Or is it not advised?

@minipie I actually have this! I asked a dentist before using it and they said they wouldn't use it as it doesn't list the components/ingredients it's made of so it may very well be abrasive without us knowing :( . So I haven't tried it.

@WorraLiberty sorry I thought all the hygienists here were private anyway as it's not covered by the NHS? I always have to pay when I go.

@Kanaloa Thanks I will try to see if getting more regular appointments is recommended; I've just been advised every 6 months before as that's routine I guess, but I'll see. Hopefully I can find some solutions I can use at home too.

Have you ever had laser whitening? I haven't I just wondered if that had any effect.

I order the crest whitening strips, but get the ones from America as the ones in the UK and eu countries are much weaker. I get them on amazon, they are very good and remove a lot of staining (I drink black coffee and green tea daily and red wine if i drink alcohol. I also used to smoke). I get stains on one specific tooth more than others and it's where the surface enamel is actually rough and catches the stains.
Other options would be veneers which are very expensive. If you are sure it isn't diet related you could possibly have composite veneers which don't ruin your natural teeth to apply and are much cheaper but are also prone to staining.

You don’t use Corsodyl or similar, do you? My DH started to develop odd gray stains all over his teeth & we eventually worked out that it was the Corsodyl - it’s a well known issue.

I've had this issue for years and was told it was to do with the bacterial environment in my mouth - like you I'm not a consumer of the main things that stain teeth. I've seen many different dentists but none of their tips worked.The last dentist I went to recommended chewing sugar-free gum to try and change the bacterial environment and so far, no staining! I chew at least a piece a day and I'm hoping it's cracked the mystery now. I know how annoying it is so I hope it helps you too.

Do you use corsodyl or drink green teas?

Mouthwash will stain your teeth

Do you drink squash, soft drinks or herbal tea

Can anyone link to the US effective Crest strips?

I also had this issue with corsodyl. I've never had it before or since, but when I started using it regularly, it left brown/ black stains on my teeth. I was really surprised when my dentist told me it was my mouthwash. My dentist also told me corsodyl should be used as as more a short term treatment for bleeding gums, not a daily mouthwash (which is how I was using it). I switched to colgate mouthwash and haven't had any issues.

Buy some prophy paste (medium grain); that’s what the hygienist uses.

Black stains can be caused by a type of bacteria in you mouth referred to as CHROMOGENIC. They also cause orange stain in some adults and more frequently in children . Thought I would mention it so you can do a Google search to understand more about it .
I’m a hygienist and I see this type of stain from time to time. If it’s truly chromogenic , the stain sits in a line closely following the gum margins . The stain ironically is easy to remove with the tools with have to hand so to my mind it ought to be reasonably easy to prevent building up. The people I see with it never have perfect oral hygiene . Not trying to knock you as most people I see don’t have perfect oral hygiene and I’m booked up for months.
Perfect oral hygiene (plaque removal) takes more time and effort than people imagine.

People have already pointed out that corsodyl causes stain ,however, corsodyl stain is different to chromogenic stain and your dental team will know the difference.

Last thing . Do you take iron supplements ? Rarely, but I’ve seen stain associated with this however, again, in a patient with poor oral hygiene. it’s something to with bacteria and breaking down ferrous compounds but I won’t pretend I understand it fully. Like I said, have a Google. There is plenty written about it on line .

Iron supplements

Bicarbonate of soda, mixed with a little water to make a paste. Leave on for approx 10 minutes once or twice a week. This gets rid of most stains, not sure how dark yours are but might be worth a try.

White glo toothpaste and the brush that comes with it shifts all staining for me

I came here to ask if it was Corsodyl too. A friend also had a problem with Sensodyne Pronamel, along the lines of it being so kind to enamel it was letting her teeth stain. Not sure of the ins and outs, but I know it drove her to frustration, so I'll mention it in case it helps you.

@RightsHoardingRaptor

I shouldn't say this but my dh used the dremel on mine with a foam pad on. Worked a treat!

Wtf are you crazy ?!!

Thank you for the suggestions! :)
To answer questions no I don't use corsodyl/mouthwash or drink soft drinks, squash, tea or take iron supplements.

@figtrees I've looked at the crest whitening strips, apparently they're banned in the UK because of their high hydrogen peroxide content - are you comfortable getting the US ones or do you have some concerns?

@DeathOnTheNile sounds brilliant! if you don't mind me asking, what gum do you use and how long did it take you to see results?

@TeaTray ah okay thanks I didnt know that, do I just apply it directly on my teeth once a week or something?

@Christmasmorning519 thank you for the info! The stains are mainly at the edges of my teeth. How important would you say flossing is in general? I could be more consistent with that but am sometimes tempted by the interdental brushes as quicker!

Thank you everyone else, I appreciate it! :)

I would highly recommend a water flosser OP. I got a cheap one from AliExpress, about 15 quid and the difference is amazing. My dentist was surprised at my last check up, practically nothing to remove during scaling.