Knowing what is causing stains can help you combat them. The following are foods that can cause teeth to stain:

Chromogenic foods:
These are foods that when consumed over time have the ability to produce a staining effect on teeth. Examples include: coffee, tea, cola, and red wine. To combat staining from these products you should either cut back on how much you use them, rinse with water immediately after, or if possible, brush as soon as you finish consuming them.

Tobacco products:
The cumulative effect of the use of cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and even smokeless tobacco can cause tooth staining. So, what are your options for combating these stains? You can quit using tobacco products, that is obviously the most effective, you can be sure to practice great oral hygiene, and you will probably want to get your teeth professionally cleaned every 3-4 months.

Medications:
The use of some medicines can cause tooth discoloration. A couple of examples include: the antibiotic tetracycline. This antibiotic produces blue-gray tooth staining if it is ingested during those periods when tooth formation is occurring. So, combat this by not taking this medicine when forming teeth, or by asking your doctor for a different option. Pregnant women and children 8 years and under should not be given tetracycline products. Minocycline is another medication that can cause tooth discoloration even in adults. Minocycline is often used to treat facial skin conditions, so combat this tooth staining agent by taking it with food, and brushing teeth regularly and well, or ask your doctor to give you something else.

Foods:
Any food that can stain your carpet can stain your teeth. Combat this staining by having your teeth professionally cleaned every six months, swish water after eating a dark hued food, or brush as soon after as possible.

Fluoride:
Too much fluoride can cause tooth discoloration. Fluoride stains can range in color from chalky white to brown. So, while your child is developing teeth, make sure that they use fluoride free toothpaste, or their teeth may be discolored.

Physiological processes:
There can be a number of physiologic processes, both normal and pathological, that can have an affect on a tooth's color. This is really not something you can combat, but you can speak with both your doctor and your dentist about possible whitening options, and ways to reduce effects.

Aging:
It is a normal event that a person's teeth will darken with age. This, once again can not per say be combated, but you can ensure proper oral hygiene which will help you keep your sparkling smile much longer.

Tooth decay:
Locations where tooth decay exists are typically brown to black in color. So, combat this tooth discoloration by taking good care of your teeth and avoiding tooth decay.

Tooth trauma:
Teeth that have experienced trauma (like being hit too hard) can discolor. In many cases this discoloration is an indication that the nerve inside the tooth has died. Tooth whiteners will not help with this discoloration, you will have to talk to your doctor, or possibly have the tooth removed.