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Dental Care
May 5, 2025

How to get rid of teeth stains – common causes and treatment

Teeth stains are one of the most common concerns people face when it comes to dental aesthetics. Over time, even with regular brushing, our teeth can lose their natural brightness. You might be wondering, “Teeth stain – what to do?” or “How to get rid of teeth stain safely?” Whether it’s from coffee, red wine, or daily habits, discoloured teeth can affect your confidence and appearance.

In this blog post, we explore the causes of teeth stains, what you can do about them, and how professional treatments from dentists can help you achieve a brighter, healthier smile.

What Causes Teeth Stains?

Understanding what causes stains is the first step to effectively removing and preventing them. Teeth stains are usually divided into two main types:

1. Extrinsic (External) Stains

These stains affect the enamel — the outer surface of the teeth. They are usually caused by:

  • Frequent consumption of staining drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and soda

  • Smoking or chewing tobacco

  • Foods with strong pigments like soy sauce, curry, or berries

  • Poor oral hygiene habits

2. Intrinsic (Internal) Stains

These occur within the tooth structure (dentin) and are more difficult to remove. Causes include:

  • Ageing (natural thinning of enamel reveals the yellow dentin beneath)

  • Long-term use of certain medications (e.g., tetracycline)

  • Excessive fluoride exposure during childhood (fluorosis)

  • Trauma or injury to the tooth that affects internal structure

If you’re unsure of the type of stain you’re dealing with, it’s best to consult our dentists at Glee! Dental Aljunied or Katong for a thorough examination.

Teeth Stain – Can I get rid of them at home?

While professional dental treatment is the most effective way to remove stubborn stains, there are steps you can take at home to reduce mild discolouration and prevent future buildup.

1. Brush with Whitening Toothpaste

Whitening toothpastes contain mild abrasives that help remove surface stains. Choose one with fluoride to also strengthen your enamel and prevent decay.

2. Improve Oral Hygiene

Brush twice a day for at least two minutes and floss daily. Use a soft-bristled brush and replace it every 3 months. Consider using an electric toothbrush for more thorough cleaning.

3. Use a Fluoride Mouth Rinse

A daily fluoride rinse not only protects your teeth from cavities but also helps reduce plaque — a contributing factor to staining.

4. Rinse After Meals

If you’ve just had a cup of coffee or a bowl of laksa, rinse your mouth with water to prevent staining agents from lingering on your enamel.

5. Avoid Smoking and Limit Dark Beverages

Quitting smoking and reducing consumption of tea, coffee, or red wine can significantly prevent new stains from forming.

When to See a Dentist About Teeth Stains

If you’ve tried home remedies but still find your teeth stain still persisting and wondering how you can get rid of these teeth stain, it is time to visit a dental professional. At Glee! Dental Clinic, our dentists provide a clinical assessment, identify the cause of your teeth stain and will recommend a whitening treatment plan to tailor to your needs. Feel free to book an appointment either at Glee! Dental Clinic Katong or Glee! Dental Clinic Aljunied, regarding your teeth stains here.

Professional intervention is especially important for:

  • Deep, long-standing intrinsic stains

  • Discolouration affecting multiple teeth

  • Stains accompanied by tooth sensitivity or pain

Professional Treatments for Teeth Stains

At a whitening dental clinic in Singapore, your treatment options may include:

1. Scaling and Polishing

This non-invasive procedure removes plaque, tartar, and surface stains. It’s typically recommended once every 6 months as part of your regular oral care.

2. Professional Teeth Whitening

If you’re looking for more noticeable results, teeth whitening may be the right choice. A licensed whitening dentist may offer:

  • In-clinic whitening treatments: Using safe, dentist-approved bleaching agents for faster results under supervision.

  • Custom take-home whitening trays: Designed to fit your teeth, combined with professional whitening gel.

Important: All whitening treatments must be prescribed by a registered dentist, as per MOH regulations in Singapore. Over-the-counter kits can lead to gum damage and tooth sensitivity if misused.

3. Restorative Options

If stains are internal or cannot be removed with whitening, your dentist may recommend veneers or dental bonding to improve the appearance of your teeth.

Why Choose a to have your whitening treatment or to clear your teeth stains at Glee!Dental Clinic in Aljunied or Katong?

Conveniently located, both Glee! Dental Aljunied and Glee! Dental Katong clinics offer comprehensive whitening solutions tailored to your smile goals.

At Glee! Dental, we pride ourselves on providing gentle care, modern equipment, and a full range of services to address both cosmetic and general dental needs.

How to Prevent Teeth Stains After Whitening

After investing in whitening treatments, you’ll want to maintain those results for as long as possible. Here’s how:

  • Brush after meals or rinse with water if brushing isn’t possible.

  • Drink staining liquids with a straw to minimise contact with your teeth.

  • Schedule regular cleanings at your local clinic in Aljunied or Katong.

  • Limit high-pigment foods and maintain good oral hygiene.

  • Use touch-up whitening kits as recommended by your dentist.


If you’ve been searching “teeth stain what to do” or “how to get rid of teeth stain”, you’re already on the right path. Teeth staining is common, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. Whether through lifestyle changes or professional treatment, there are safe, effective ways to restore your smile.

If you’re located near Aljunied or Katong, our friendly and experienced dental team is here to help. Book a consultation today with Glee! Dental Singapore to explore options tailored to your needs — and smile with confidence again.

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