Which type of stain can typically be removed from the surfaces of teeth?

Tobacco stains, often caused by the use of tobacco products, typically reside on the enamel and can be removed by professional dental cleaning procedures. These stains are extrinsic, meaning they occur on the surface of the teeth, and they respond well to polishing techniques and improved dental hygiene practices.

In contrast, tetracycline stains are intrinsic, as they develop from the inside of the tooth structure during tooth development due to exposure to the antibiotic tetracycline. These stains are more challenging to treat and often require cosmetic procedures like veneers or crowns.

Green stains, commonly seen in children, can be removed with proper brushing and cleaning; however, they may sometimes require more specialized dental care to ensure all bacteria creating the stain are addressed. Black stains, though often removable, may take more effort and sometimes require specific treatment to ensure complete removal while maintaining tooth surface health.

Thus, tobacco stains are well-known for their removability through routine dental care, making them the typical answer when considering which stains can be removed from teeth surfaces.