What is the direct answer?
Use fluoride toothpaste for daily plaque removal; a dentist can polish or professionally whiten teeth when stains are deeper.
What does this question mean?
Stains may sit on enamel as plaque, tartar, or pigment, or arise within enamel and dentine from ageing, trauma, decay, or medicines.
What can you do next?
Brush gently twice daily, clean between teeth, and avoid scraping enamel with abrasives. A dental cleaning can remove tartar, while whitening is chosen after checking the teeth and restorations.
When should you seek dental care?
Seek care for a sudden single-tooth colour change, a rough mark, pain, a hole, bleeding gums, or swelling.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the mark is plaque, tartar, decay, fluorosis, trauma, or an internal stain, and which treatment suits your fillings or crowns.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main practical point?
Use fluoride toothpaste for daily plaque removal; a dentist can polish or professionally whiten teeth when stains are deeper.
When should this be checked?
Seek care for a sudden single-tooth colour change, a rough mark, pain, a hole, bleeding gums, or swelling.

