It has been observed that it tends to increase in severity as we age. Once tartar hardens, it must be removed with dental instruments. Preventing the build up is by the formulations that have been proven to decalcify beginning build-ups. Most toothpastes that claim whitening contain titanium dioxide, which is an ingredient found in white paint. This is also used to help whiten teeth, although it is transient in nature.
True whitening is hard to come by.
The only treatments that have been shown to be long term effective are oxygenation through dental prescribed whitening gels used in custom made trays made at the dental office. Another way that has been found effective without the use of long term trays and gels is the use of lasers. Both of these work to brighten the teeth. Bleaching gels break down to a chemical that is very bad for the body. Since we practice in Beverly Hills we see a lot of stars, including many of the people that hire them and write for them.