What is the direct answer?
Baking soda may loosen external stains, but it cannot bleach intrinsic tooth color and aggressive scrubbing can irritate teeth or gums.
What does this question mean?
External stains sit on enamel, while calculus, decay, enamel defects, and restorations require different management.
What can you do next?
A dentist identifies the material causing the mark, removes calculus when present, and discusses cleaning, whitening, restoration, or observation.
When should you seek dental care?
Brush gently with fluoride toothpaste and do not increase pressure when a mark persists or feels rough.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the mark is stain, tartar, decay, enamel loss, or a restoration, and which treatment addresses that finding.
Frequently asked questions
What is the key thing to know?
Baking soda may loosen external stains, but it cannot bleach intrinsic tooth color and aggressive scrubbing can irritate teeth or gums.
When should it be assessed?
Brush gently with fluoride toothpaste and do not increase pressure when a mark persists or feels rough.

