Key takeaways
Coffee, tea, and red wine can contribute to extrinsic stains on the surface of teeth.2
Food and drink stains are different from intrinsic discoloration, which occurs within the tooth.1
Not every dark or brightly colored food stains teeth in the same way. Diet is one potential contributor to tooth color.1
Some whitening ingredients, including polyphosphates, are designed to help remove and prevent extrinsic surface stains.3,5
LISTERINE® Whitening Alcohol-Free Extra Mild Mouthwash helps remove stubborn surface stains and prevent new stains for a brighter, whiter smile.
Your morning coffee, afternoon tea, or occasional glass of red wine can leave more behind than you might realize.
Certain foods and drinks can contribute to extrinsic tooth stains, which form on the outer surface of your teeth. Coffee, tea, and red wine are common examples of beverages that can contribute to this type of staining.1,2
Understanding what causes surface stains can help you make more informed choices about how you care for your smile.
Why do some foods and drinks stain your teeth?
Foods and drinks can contribute to extrinsic stains when colored compounds interact with the outer surface of your teeth. Extrinsic stains occur at the tooth surface, unlike intrinsic discoloration, which occurs within the tooth.1
That distinction matters because whitening approaches can work differently depending on the type of discoloration you’re trying to address.
Want to understand the different types of tooth stains? Learn more about how teeth whitening works and what causes tooth discoloration.
Which foods and drinks can stain your teeth?
Common beverage sources of diet-related surface stains include coffee, tea, and red wine.2
Does tea stain your teeth?
Yes. Tea can contribute to extrinsic tooth staining.2
In laboratory research, black tea has been used to model extrinsic stain formation on hydroxyapatite, a mineral found in tooth enamel.3
Does coffee stain your teeth?
Yes. Coffee can contribute to extrinsic stains on the surface of teeth.2
If everyday surface stains are your main whitening concern, look for products designed to address extrinsic stains.
Does red wine stain your teeth?
Yes. Red wine can contribute to extrinsic stains on the surface of teeth.2
Can foods stain your teeth, too?
Yes. Color-producing compounds from foods can contribute to extrinsic staining on the tooth surface.1
Rather than assuming that every dark or brightly colored food will stain your teeth in the same way, it’s helpful to think about food and drink as one potential contributor to surface staining.
Are food and drink stains the same as other tooth discoloration?
No. Food and drink stains are typically discussed as extrinsic stains because they occur at the tooth surface, while intrinsic discoloration occurs within the tooth.1
Teeth can become discolored for reasons beyond what you eat or drink, including aging and tooth injury.2
That’s why identifying the likely cause of discoloration is an important first step when you’re considering whitening. If you’re concerned about tooth discoloration or aren’t sure what’s causing it, talk to your dentist before trying to whiten your teeth.
Wondering what else may be behind your tooth color? Explore the common causes of yellow or stained teeth.
How can you help manage food and drink stains?
You shouldn’t have to think of a brighter smile as a list of foods and drinks you can never enjoy. Instead, focus on the bigger picture. Whitening products like LISTERINE® Whitening Alcohol-Free Extra Mild Mouthwash can help remove stubborn surface stains and help prevent new surface stains from forming.
Keep up with your daily oral care
Brushing and flossing your teeth remain important parts of caring for your mouth. Whitening should complement good oral care rather than replace it.
Learn why white teeth and healthy teeth aren’t necessarily the same thing.
Understand the type of stain you’re trying to address
Coffee, tea, and red wine are common sources of extrinsic surface stains.2 Understanding the type of stain you’re trying to address can help you explore whitening options.
Choose whitening products based on your goals
Whitening products don’t all work in the same way. Some primarily address stains on the tooth surface, while peroxide-based bleaching can address both extrinsic and intrinsic discoloration.4
Compare at-home and professional teeth-whitening options to understand how different approaches work.
How can polyphosphates help with surface stains?
Polyphosphates are whitening ingredients that can help remove extrinsic stains from the tooth surface and help prevent new surface stains from forming.3,5 In laboratory research designed to model the tooth's surface, sodium tripolyphosphate, a type of polyphosphate, helped remove stains and prevent new stains from forming.3,5 LISTERINE® Whitening Alcohol-Free Extra Mild Mouthwash is formulated with polyphosphates to help remove stubborn surface stains and help prevent new surface stains from forming.
Want to know more about the science? Learn how polyphosphates help whiten teeth.
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- Manuel, T., Abhishek, P., & Kundabala, M. (2010). Etiology of tooth discoloration – A review. Nigerian Dental Journal, 18(2): 56-63. DOI:10.61172/ndj.v18i2.143
- Mark, A.M. (2020). Getting whiter teeth. The Journal of the American Dental Association, 151(10): P802. doi: 10.1016/j.adaj.2020.07.019, https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177%2820%2930534-1/fulltext
