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Stains can form on the surface of the tooth enamel when colored molecules found in things such as red wine, coffee, tea, tobacco, certain fruits and sodas attach to the tooth surface. Over time, these colored molecules can go into the enamel, at which point they cannot be removed by brushing alone.

Causes of Discolored or Stained Teeth

There are many factors that can contribute to teeth staining

• Tobacco use: Dark pigments in cigarettes and chewing tobacco can stain teeth
• Poor dental hygiene: Infrequent brushing and flossing to remove plaque can cause tooth discoloratio
• Disease: Several diseases that affect tooth enamel (the hard surface of the teeth) and dentin (the underlying material under enamel) formation can lead to tooth discoloration. In addition, treatments for certain conditions can affect tooth color. For example, head and neck radiation and chemotherapy can cause yellowing
• Age: As you get older, the outer layer of enamel on your teeth can wear away, revealing the natural yellow color of your teet
• Genetics: Some people naturally have a greater susceptibility to yellowing of teeth

Preventing and Removing Teeth Stains

Most whitening toothpastes help polish away surface stains. Crest Pro-Health Whitening Toothpaste not only polishes away up to 80% of surface stains, it also helps prevent new stains from forming.

Lifestyle changes can also help prevent tooth discoloration. For instance, drink less coffee and soda and, if you smoke, consider cutting back or quitting. Proper dental hygiene can also help remove and prevent surface stains.

To remove stains below the enamel surface, use a whitening product with hydrogen peroxide, such as a Crest Whitestrips teeth whitening system.