Favourites such as coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking leave stubborn tooth staining that accumulates over time. Unlike deeper intrinsic stains, these extrinsic stains sit on the enamel surface and respond well to the right treatments. Here’s what works and what doesn’t.
Professional tooth whitening delivers the most dramatic results to improve tooth staining. Using prescribed whitening agents prescribed by trained dentists, this treatment can lighten teeth by several shades over a 2-3 week period. Results typically last 12-18 months and provide immediate, noticeable improvement that justifies the investment for heavily stained teeth.
Professional, prescribed tooth whitening is both safe and effective, with customisable intensity based on your sensitivity levels. For significant coffee or tobacco staining, professional whitening remains the gold standard.
This modern hygienist treatment combines advanced air polishing with specialised powders to remove surface stains without damaging enamel. GBT is gentler than traditional scaling while effectively targeting stubborn stains.
The 30-60 minute treatment provides immediate visual improvement plus healthier gums and fresher breath. Teeth feel exceptionally smooth and appear naturally brighter straight away. Regular sessions every 3-6 months maintain results while preventing new stain buildup, making it excellent for ongoing maintenance.
Find out more about GBT here!
Despite marketing claims, whitening toothpastes offer minimal effectiveness for established surface tooth staining. They contain only mild abrasives and minimal, if any, whitening agents that barely address superficial discolouration.
More problematically, regular use of abrasive whitening toothpastes can gradually wear down enamel, increasing sensitivity and exposing yellower dentine underneath. The whitening agents are typically too weak to produce meaningful results, making these products poor value that may actually harm your teeth long-term.
While professional treatments remove existing stains, dietary choices significantly impact future stains. Limiting drinks such as coffee, tea, and red wine, and deeply pigmented foods, helps maintain results longer. When consuming staining drinks, use a straw and rinse with water afterwards. However, don’t expect dietary changes alone to reverse years of accumulated staining—professional intervention remains necessary for meaningful improvement.
For heavy staining, professional whitening delivers maximum impact. For moderate stains or ongoing maintenance, GBT provides excellent results with added oral health benefits. Many patients combine both: professional whitening for initial results, followed by regular GBT sessions for maintenance.
Avoid whitening toothpastes entirely—they promise a lot but deliver very little, while potentially damaging your enamel.
Tooth staining can be completely treatable with professional intervention—call our Briars team today to see how we can help you manage yours.
Check out our Blog about GBT here at The Briars to find out how the treatment will work for you!
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