It is possible to restore stained teeth to their original white color with professional whitening treatments. Whitening toothpaste is one of the most popular methods for removing surface stains, but it is not effective for deeper spots. Charcoal and baking soda can help increase the effects of whitening, but it is important to be aware of the ingredients in whitening toothpaste and the potential risks of bleaching. Smoking causes brown spots that penetrate the grooves and pits of tooth enamel, making them difficult to remove.
Brushing your teeth is not intended to whiten them, and home whitening treatments can damage your teeth if used incorrectly or for too long. Vitamin C has been linked to tooth health, but it does not have a whitening effect. The best way to whiten teeth is to prevent stains before they appear and have regular dental checkups. Over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments may offer some clarifying benefits, but they are often limited in what they can do.