Have you ever glanced in the mirror and caught a glimpse of the backs of your teeth, only to see unsightly brown spots? You’re not alone. Our front teeth receive the most attention during everyday brushing and flossing, but the inner surfaces often tend to be overlooked. This results in stubborn stains on the back of your teeth. If you’re looking for a guide on how to whiten the back of your teeth and eliminate those brown stains once and for all, this guide has got you covered.
What Causes Brown Stains on the Back of Teeth?
To remove stains effectively from the back of your tooth, it’s helpful first to identify their cause. The back of the teeth is a prime location for buildup and discoloration due to a few common habits:
- Dark-colored drinks, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and colas, contain tannins that adhere to enamel, particularly on less visible surfaces.
- Smoking or chewing tobacco most often results in deep stains, especially on the inner teeth.
- When plaque is not properly cleaned away, it becomes tartar, typically a dark or brown buildup behind the teeth.
- The back of the teeth tends to be skipped or brushed lightly, making it a prime area for discoloration over time.
Home Remedies to Whiten the Back of the Teeth
If the discoloration is mild and you prefer to begin at home, some easy solutions can help reduce discoloration:
- Baking soda paste: Gently scrubbing with a paste made from baking soda and water helps break up surface stains on the inner teeth.
- Hydrogen peroxide rinse: A diluted rinse can help whiten hard-to-reach areas—just use it a few times a week to avoid irritation.
- Apple cider vinegar: Despite its acidity, used sparingly, apple cider vinegar can break down stains on back teeth. Rinse carefully afterwards to preserve enamel.
- Activated charcoal: Some individuals use charcoal powder to scrub away brown back-of-tooth stains. Use it only once or twice a week, as it is abrasive.
Professional Treatments That Actually Work
If home remedies don’t work, professional treatments can do a better, longer-lasting job:
- Dental cleanings: A hygienist uses special equipment to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth, particularly in the back where it is most difficult to access.
- In-office whitening: Teeth whitening Metairie can remove deep-set stains, including those that appear on the back of your teeth, such as brown ones.
- Airflow polishing: This high-tech treatment utilizes air, water, and fine powder to blast through stains and polish enamel—ideal for reaching tight crevices.
These are particularly useful if you’ve got years of build-up or are facing seriously entrenched brown staining.
How to Prevent Stains from Returning?
After getting rid of the stains, maintain your teeth’s brightness and cleanliness with the following habits:
- Brush all surfaces: Tilt your toothbrush to access the back of your front and back teeth. Take a few seconds longer to brush these teeth in every session.
- Floss every day: Between-teeth plaque may harden and lead to visible marks on the back of teeth. Flossing prevents that.
- Monitor your diet: Restrict or rinse after consuming coffee, red wine, or soda. These are significant causes of inner tooth discoloration.
- Use a straw: For staining drinks, use a straw to bypass the teeth entirely, which is particularly useful for safeguarding the back teeth.
- Make the switch to whitening toothpaste: Choose a toothpaste with mild polishing agents to help sustain results.
Removing stains on the back of your teeth is entirely possible with proper care and consistency. Whether you’re fighting years of coffee stains or mild yellowing, there are good methods for cleaning and lightening those overlooked surfaces. Routine dental check-ups, in-home routines, and careful attention to your diet can go a long way toward maintaining those hard-to-reach places as clean and white as your front teeth. Your smile needs holistic care—front and rear.
