“What Are Those Brown Spots on My Teeth?” Here’s What You Can Do

When you peer into the mirror, seeing brown spots on your teeth can be unsettling and rob you of your confidence. Some spots are subtle, while others are much more noticeable.

Poor oral hygiene is a common culprit of brown spots. Sometimes, however, those troublesome patches can have a genetic or environmental cause or signal an underlying dental problem. A visit to your dentist can help you determine the issue and recommend an effective treatment.

What Are Those Brown Spots?

Brown spots or discolorations can be light yellow, gray, or dark brown. Some might not be spots at all but instead appear as lines or irregular-looking patches. Regardless of their appearance, brown spots are pretty common.

There are many reasons why brown spots appear. For instance, tooth discoloration can be attributed to certain foods and beverages like coffee, cola, red wine, tea, and dark-colored berries and fruit. Smoking cigarettes and using other tobacco products will also stain your teeth.

Brown spots can also come from tartar build-up, often extending below the gum line. Without regular teeth cleaning and tartar removal at a dentist’s office, what typically results is tooth decay, another common cause of yellowing or staining.

There can be too much of a good thing, and that includes fluoride. This substance protects your enamel, but excessive amounts can cause dental fluorosis, especially in children’s teeth. Although rare, severe fluorosis can cause pitted, brown spots in teeth.

Past dental work, such as bridges and fillings, can darken teeth when they deteriorate or leave stains. Also, certain therapeutic mouthwashes and medications like antibiotics might cause brown spots to form.

For some people, brown spots have genetic or environmental origins. For example, enamel hypoplasia is a condition marked by thin enamel. It can result from vitamin deficiencies, toxin exposure, or malnutrition during pregnancy. Also, people with celiac disease might see brown spots, translucence, and pit marks on their teeth.

Do Brown Spots Signal Underlying Dental Issues?

Brown spots on your teeth can be more than just aesthetically troubling. They could be early warning signs of cavities or tooth decay, which warrant a trip to your dentist as soon as possible. If you also have bleeding or sore gums, you could be experiencing gum disease or gingivitis. Watch for other symptoms like tooth sensitivity, pain, or bad breath.

Teeth Whitening and Other Treatment Options for Brown Spots

Good oral hygiene is the best defense against brown spots before they appear. Twice-a-day brushing, daily flossing, and regular dental check-ups and cleanings can keep your teeth looking stain-free.

When brown spots start to form, however, oral hygiene alone won’t eliminate them. Over-the-counter whitening remedies like strips, gel trays, and whitening toothpaste may work on subtle stains.

Professional whitening treatments are better at removing darker, more stubborn discolorations. They typically last up to three years and might require more than one visit to achieve the best results. Depending on the appearance of your brown spots, your dentist might also recommend veneers, dental bonding, or crowns to restore your winning smile.

A Cincinnati Dentist Can Help with Brown Spots on Teeth

If brown spots on your teeth worry you, seeing a dentist near you is essential to determine the underlying cause and treat the problem right away. When you call Beckham Square Family Dental to schedule an appointment, a team member will happily answer your questions and address your concerns. They can also talk to you about our Dental Membership savings plan if you don’t have dental insurance or are worried about paying for your dental care.