Teeth become stained and discolored for a number of different reasons. However, by knowing what causes stained teeth, you can work to combat these teeth staining agents.

What stains the teeth?
Some of the most common reasons for stained teeth include:

    Dark beverages. This includes sodas like colas and root beer and the two worst things for staining teeth, coffee and tea. Red wine is also an offender.
    Berries and berry juice. Included in this group is not only berries such as strawberries and blueberries, but grape juice and cranberry juice as well.
    Sauces such as soy sauce, tomato sauce and paste, and balsamic vinegar.
    Not enough brushing. If you skip brushing and flossing and regular cleanings, your teeth will begin to take on a yellowish tinge.
    Age. Teeth begin to naturally darken or discolor as we age.

How to combat teeth staining agents
In order to combat these teeth staining agents, consider the following tips:

?    Watch what you eat and drink. You should limit the amount of staining beverages and foods you consume. Or, you can substitute them for water and lighter foods and drinks, like grapefruit and grapefruit juice, white grape juice, ginger ale, white wine vinegar, and olive oil.
?    Get regular check-ups. Most adults and even children don't visit the dentist nearly enough. Whether it's because they don't feel like they need it or because they're scared, many people don't get check-ups at least once a year, which is what is recommended. Annual check-ups will include a cleaning, which removes tartar and plaque build-up from the teeth, preventing decay and gum disease and other teeth staining agents.
?    Chew gum. If you are unable to brush your teeth after a meal, sugar-free gum has shown to be an effective way to help clean the teeth and prevent an accumulation of plaque on the teeth, although it should never be substituted for brushing altogether. This can help to combat those teeth staining agents.
?    Brush properly. This is probably the single most effective way to fight teeth staining agents. Experts recommend you brush teeth at least twice daily with an American Dental Association-approved toothpaste. Your toothbrush should be replaced every three to four months. Proper brushing technique is to brush for at least two minutes (a minute on the top and a minute on the bottom) in a circular motion, concentrating on the gum line. You should also consider purchasing an electric toothbrush. These have been proven to be more effective at removing plaque from teeth, which can also discolor teeth.

What to do if your teeth are stained
If your teeth are already stained or discolored, there are many things that can help restore your white smile. You can whiten teeth with products from your dentist or from the drugstore. Whitening strips, whitening toothpastes, and other products can be purchased over the counter and are effective at removing stains. For teeth that are severely stained, a dentist can discuss whitening options that will remove deeper stains.