date | 11:11
open/closed
May 27, 2026
Understanding Tooth Discolouration: Why Your Teeth Aren't as White as You'd Like
Before we discuss whitening solutions, it's helpful to understand why teeth become discoloured in the first place.
Extrinsic Stains (Surface Stains)
Extrinsic stains affect the outer layer of your tooth—the enamel. They're caused by external factors and are usually easier to remove.
Common Causes:
- Coffee and Tea: Tannins in these beverages stain tooth enamel
- Red Wine: Acidic and deeply pigmented, red wine is a major culprit
- Smoking and Tobacco: Tar and nicotine cause stubborn brown stains
- Dark-Coloured Foods: Berries, beets, and soy sauce can stain teeth
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Plaque buildup can cause yellowing
Intrinsic Stains (Internal Stains)
Intrinsic stains affect the dentin—the layer beneath your enamel. They're caused by internal factors and are more challenging to remove.
Common Causes:
- Aging: As you age, enamel naturally thins, revealing the yellower dentin beneath
- Genetics: Some people naturally have thicker enamel or yellower dentin
- Medications: Certain medications (like tetracycline antibiotics) can cause intrinsic staining
- Trauma: Injury to a tooth can cause internal discolouration
- Excessive Fluoride: Too much fluoride during tooth development can cause fluorosis
Age-Related Yellowing
As you age, your teeth naturally become more yellow. This is a combination of enamel thinning (revealing more yellow dentin) and years of staining from food, drinks, and lifestyle factors.
Visit our Chesham dental practice
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105 high st, chesham hp5 1deGetting Here & Parking
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Our Chesham dental practice is located on 105 High Street in Chesham, Buckinghamshire. This central location places the practice in the heart of Chesham, making it easily accessible to residents and visitors alike. Chesham High Street is a busy, historic area with a mix of local shops, services, and amenities, offering convenient access for patients attending the practice.
The area surrounding the practice is well-connected, with public transport options (Chesham Underground Station) and parking facilities nearby at Albany Place Car Park and Elgiva Lane & Saffron Meadow Car Park a mere 5-min walk away.
Opening Hours
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Same-Day Emergency Appointments
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Our team of dentists in Chesham is proud to provide our patients with the convenience of immediate emergency appointments on the very same day they are needed. This ensures that urgent dental concerns are promptly addressed, offering our patients timely relief and expert care.
Please call the practice on 01494 977 140 or book an emergency appointment online.
Flexible Finance & Membership Plans
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At our Chesham dental practice, we understand that managing the cost of dental care is important to our patients.
To provide financial flexibility, we offer several convenient options including Flexible Financing as well as Practice Membership Plans starting at £18.38 per month that are specifically designed to simplify keeping up with your oral health.
New Patients
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Your trusted Chesham dentists are the answer to all your 'Dentist Near Me in Chesham' queries.
At Chess House Dental Practice, we extend a warm welcome to new patients, valuing your oral health and well-being.
Our comprehensive new patient examinations are priced at £57.00, and they encompass a thorough assessment designed to provide you with a comprehensive overview of your dental health.
Dental Referrals
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At our dental practice in Chesham, we take pride in offering a comprehensive range of specialised dental treatments to address complex procedures with the utmost precision and expertise.
If you are considering referring a patient to us for a specific treatment, please rest assured that our patient-centric approach is designed to prioritise their well-being.