My Teeth Are Stained – Help!

One of the most common concerns we hear from patients at Rectory House Dental Practice in Guildford is:“My teeth are stained – can anything be done?”

The answer is almost always yes – in most cases, we can absolutely help reduce or remove tooth staining, giving your smile a brighter, fresher look.

What Causes Teeth Staining?

There are two main types of staining:

• Extrinsic (surface) stains – caused by food, drink, and lifestyle habits.

• Intrinsic (deep) stains – these are within the tooth and may require different treatments.

Common causes of tooth stains include:

• Tea and coffee

• Red wine

• Berries and strongly coloured sauces

• Turmeric and curry

• Dark chocolate

• Smoking and vaping

• Some mouthwashes and medications

If your enamel is more porous (which can happen with the wearing down of enamel or acid erosion), you may find you pick up stains more easily. Even with good brushing, many people find they can't fully remove staining at home.

So What Can You Do About Stained Teeth?

Your first step should be to book an appointment with our dental hygienist at Rectory House Dental Practice.

Here’s what we’ll do:

• Assess the cause of the staining

• Check your gum health

• Tailor a hygiene treatment plan to help you care for your teeth and gums more effectively

Our hygienist uses a combination of Ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments to remove plaque and tartar. We may also use Airflow polishing – a gentle, high-pressure spray of water, air and a fine powder that removes surface stains without damaging enamel

For deeper (intrinsic) stains, we may recommend Teeth whitening or Composite bonding for more stubborn or structural discolouration.

Will It Hurt?Most patients find hygiene treatment and stain removal very comfortable. Airflow polishing, in particular, is gentle, non-invasive, and ideal even for those with sensitive teeth or gums. Let us know if you have any concerns — we’ll make sure you feel completely at ease.

Helping You Stay Stain-Free

Once we’ve given your teeth a thorough clean, it’s much easier to keep on top of things. We’ll also help you understand what’s contributing to the staining, offer realistic lifestyle advice and suggest small changes like switching mouthwash or adjusting your brushing technique.

If we spot any underlying issues such as dry mouth, acid erosion, or thin or worn enamel that might make staining worse, we’ll let you know early and guide you through your options.

How Often Should I Book a Hygiene Appointment?

We usually recommend a visit every 3 to 6 months, depending on your:

• Oral health

• Lifestyle

• Diet

• Smoking or vaping habits

Can I See the Hygienist If I’m Not a Registered Patient?

Yes!You’re welcome to book a hygiene appointment with us even if you’re not currently registered at Rectory House Dental Practice.

If you’re tired of stains dulling your smile and want support from a team who genuinely cares, come and see us at Rectory House Dental Practice in Guildford. Our hygienist takes the time to understand your concerns and work with you to keep your smile healthy and bright.

Book your appointment today – and take the first step towards a fresher, cleaner smile.