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Brown spots on teeth are a common concern for many people, affecting both the appearance of your smile and potentially signaling underlying dental issues. These discolorations can make you self-conscious and, in some cases, may indicate more serious oral health problems. In this blog, we’ll explore what causes brown spots on teeth, and provide practical tips for removal and prevention.
What Are Brown Spots on Teeth?
Brown spots on teeth—sometimes referred to as brown marks or brown specks—are visible discolorations that can appear anywhere on the tooth surface. These blemishes are typically caused by a range of factors, from everyday habits to underlying dental conditions.
Brown Spots vs. Yellow Teeth
It’s important to distinguish between brown and yellow teeth.
Brown Spots
Yellow Teeth
Extrinsic vs. Intrinsic Stains
Brown spots can be categorized as either extrinsic or intrinsic.
Extrinsic stains
Intrinsic stains
Brown spots can develop on any tooth, but they tend to be most visible in certain areas. For example, brown stains on molars are common because these teeth are harder to clean thoroughly and often collect plaque more easily. Similarly, brown spots on the front teeth are also noticeable and can affect your smile’s appearance. Plaque buildup is a major factor in the formation of brown spots, as it traps pigments from foods and drinks along with bacteria, leading to discoloration on the tooth surface over time.
Causes of Brown Spots on Teeth
Extrinsic Stains (External Factors)
Food and Beverages
Pigment-rich items like coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and dark sodas contain chromogens and tannins that can leave surface brown stains on teeth1.
Tobacco Use
Smoking or chewing tobacco containing nicotine and tar, can lead to stubborn brown specks on teeth.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Inadequate brushing and flossing causes plaque to accumulate, which can harden into brown or yellowish tartar that requires professional cleaning.
Intrinsic Stains (Internal Factors) 2
Tooth Decay
Plaque acids erode enamel, exposing the darker dentin underneath and causing brown spots.
Fluorosis
Excessive fluoride during tooth development (especially in children) can cause brown spots or pitting.
Medications
Certain antibiotics, such as tetracycline, can cause intrinsic brown marks on developing teeth.
Trauma
Injuries that damage a tooth’s nerve can lead to brown discoloration.
Aging
Enamel thinning reveals darker dentin, contributing to brown spots.
Old Dental Work
Deteriorating fillings or crowns may cause localized staining.
Risks of Ignoring Brown Spots on Teeth
Other than affecting the look of your teeth, brown spots can have implications on your oral health as well.
Oral Health Risks
Brown spots on teeth can indicate underlying dental problems such as tooth decay or gum disease. Tooth decay occurs when acids produced by plaque bacteria erode the enamel, leading to cavities that often appear as brown or black spots. If left untreated, these cavities can deepen, exposing the sensitive inner layers of the tooth and increasing the risk of infection or tooth loss3.
Progression to Tartar
Surface stains from foods, drinks, or tobacco can combine with plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. If plaque is not removed through regular brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar (also called calculus), which is much more difficult to remove and can only be eliminated by a dental professional.
Bad Breath
The plaque and tartar associated with brown spots provide an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. These bacteria produce foul-smelling compounds, leading to persistent bad breath.
When to See a Dentist:
It’s important to seek professional help if:
Persistent Brown Spot
If brown spots do not fade or improve after home treatments (such as whitening toothpaste or baking soda), consult a dentist, as this may indicate underlying tooth decay, internal staining, or other dental problems needing professional attention.
Pain or Sensitivity
Seek immediate dental care if brown spots are accompanied by pain or sensitivity, as these symptoms can signal advanced decay, nerve involvement, or infection that requires prompt treatment.
Bleeding Gums
If brown spots are associated with bleeding, redness, or soreness in the gums, it could indicate gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis), which requires dental evaluation to prevent further oral health complications.
Rapidly Spreading Spots
Consult a dentist promptly if brown spots are rapidly increasing in number, size, or darkness, as this may suggest aggressive tooth decay, trauma, or another serious condition that needs urgent assessment.
Preventing Brown Spots: Long-Term Oral Care Strategies
Preventing brown spots is easier than treating them. Here are some effective strategies:
Dietary Adjustments
Reduce consumption of staining foods and drinks, and rinse your mouth with water after consuming them.
Daily Habits
Brush your teeth twice daily, floss regularly, and use an antibacterial mouthwash to prevent plaque buildup.
Professional Cleanings
Regular dental visits for scaling and polishing help remove tartar and surface stains.
Choosing the Right Toothpaste
For daily stain prevention, try Darlie All Shiny White Enzyme Toothpaste (Fresh Mint/Floral Fresh) that prevents and removes stains with the Dual Natural Enzymes Formula. Its 5x Stain Dissolvability** enables the effective removal of surface stains and with the upgraded Stain Prevention formula, helps prevent future stain build-up. Additionally, it contains fluoride to help prevent cavities and a dense foam for effective cleaning and stain removal. The Darlie Enzyme Toothpaste whitens and brightens in just 7 days*, elevating healthier teeth and brighter smiles.
For those seeking comprehensive gum protection and improvement in gum health, Darlie Expert Gum Care Toothpaste offers something unique. It features an innovative Active Bio-Gum Formula with Zinc Citrate that reduce and prevent bleeding and swollen gums by reducing plaque accumulation.
It’s also highly effective at plaque reduction offering 3x more plaque reduction^, clinically proven to improve gum health , and kills 99.9% of oral bacteria, making it ideal for anyone looking to maintain healthy gums and a confident smile.
Brown spots on teeth can result from various causes, including diet, oral hygiene habits, and dental health issues. While natural remedies may help with surface stains, professional care is often needed for deeper discoloration. Consistent oral hygiene is key to preventing brown stains on teeth and maintaining a healthy smile.
1. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/ss/slideshow-foods-stain-teeth
2. https://www.healthline.com/health/brown-spots-on-teeth#causes
3. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tooth-decay
*After brushing twice daily consecutively for 7 days with the DARLIE All Shiny White Enzyme Toothpaste. compared with DARLIE regular fluoride toothpaste. In vitro study for extrinsic stains, effects may vary across individuals.
**In vitro study, compared with a blank control toothpaste.
^Based on the clinical study “Clinical report - Expert Gum for gingivitis & dental plaque efficacy” commission by Hawley & Hazel, done in 2014 in China, of a toothpaste containing 2% zinc citrate, which has the same formula as Darlie Expert Gum Care Odor Control Toothpaste, compared with a regular Darlie toothpaste without zinc citrate with continuous use for 3 months.
2. https://www.healthline.com/health/brown-spots-on-teeth#causes
3. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tooth-decay
*After brushing twice daily consecutively for 7 days with the DARLIE All Shiny White Enzyme Toothpaste. compared with DARLIE regular fluoride toothpaste. In vitro study for extrinsic stains, effects may vary across individuals.
**In vitro study, compared with a blank control toothpaste.
^Based on the clinical study “Clinical report - Expert Gum for gingivitis & dental plaque efficacy” commission by Hawley & Hazel, done in 2014 in China, of a toothpaste containing 2% zinc citrate, which has the same formula as Darlie Expert Gum Care Odor Control Toothpaste, compared with a regular Darlie toothpaste without zinc citrate with continuous use for 3 months.
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