Whitening toothpastes have polishing agents and mild abrasives that help remove surface stains from teeth. Teeth that have surface stains are cleaned and whitened by whitening toothpastes.  They are not effective against deeper stains.

If your teeth have deeper, darker stains due to injury or certain medications, a more thorough brightening treatment, such as bleaching or microabrasion, will be required.  If you choose to use a whitening toothpaste, make sure the toothpaste contains fluoride as well as whitening agents.

Avoiding foods that can darken teeth is encouraged over whitening after the fact.  These foods include coffee, tea and sodas.  Smoking also discolors teeth and is discouraged.