How Polyphosphates Help Whiten Teeth

Polyphosphates are ingredients that can help whiten teeth by removing extrinsic, or surface, stains and helping prevent new stains from forming.

They interact with the tooth surface and the thin film that naturally covers it, helping remove existing stains and making it more difficult for new stains to attach.^1,3

This makes polyphosphates relevant for targeting extrinsic surface stains, including the type of staining associated with everyday favorites like coffee, tea, and red wine.²

Remove what’s there on the surface. Help prevent what’s next.

Polyphosphates don’t just help remove surface stains that are already there. Laboratory research with sodium tripolyphosphate, a type of polyphosphate, shows that it can also prevent new surface stains from attaching to surfaces designed to model teeth.^1,3

One way to think about the polyphosphate mechanism is as helping create a stain-resistant barrier at the tooth surface.

LISTERINE® Whitening Alcohol-Free Extra Mild Mouthwash helps create a protective stain resistant barrier when used as directed.

Polyphosphates target extrinsic stains, which are stains on the outer surface of teeth.

Tooth discoloration generally falls into two categories. Extrinsic stains occur on the outer surface of your teeth, while intrinsic discoloration occurs within the tooth.²

Common contributors to extrinsic staining include:²

• Coffee

• Tea

• Red wine

• Tobacco

If everyday surface stains are your main concern, look for whitening products designed to address extrinsic stains.

Want to understand what’s behind tooth discoloration? Learn more about common causes of yellow or stained teeth.

How polyphosphates work

Polyphosphates work primarily on extrinsic stains at the tooth surface. Laboratory research shows that sodium tripolyphosphate, a type of polyphosphate, can help remove existing surface stains and help prevent new stains from attaching to surfaces designed to model teeth.^1,3

Polyphosphates offer a two-part approach to surface stains: help remove what’s already there on the surface and help prevent new stains from attaching.

How peroxide works

Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are commonly used bleaching agents that work through oxidation.^4,5 Peroxide-based whitening can address both extrinsic and intrinsic discoloration.⁵ Temporary tooth sensitivity and gum irritation can occur with some peroxide-based whitening treatments.^4,5

What is the key difference?

The biggest difference is how the two approaches work.

• Polyphosphates help remove extrinsic stains from the tooth surface and help prevent new surface stains from attaching.^1,3

• Peroxide-based bleaching works through oxidation and can address both extrinsic and intrinsic discoloration.^4,5

Different whitening technologies work in different ways. The right approach may depend on the type of discoloration you’re trying to address and your individual needs.

If you’re unsure what’s causing your tooth discoloration or which whitening approach is right for you, talk with your dentist.

_{Dramatization. Image not from an actual study. Results may vary.}

_{*Versus baseline, based on an in vitro study using a dental-industry standard shade guide. Use product as directed.}

Coffee, tea, red wine, and other everyday favorites can leave stains on the surface of your teeth. Polyphosphates offer a different approach to these extrinsic stains by helping remove what’s already there and helping prevent new stains from attaching.^1-3

LISTERINE® Whitening Alcohol-Free Extra Mild Mouthwash combines polyphosphate whitening technology with fluoride anticavity benefits for an easy addition to your daily oral care routine.

Ready to add whitening to your routine? Explore LISTERINE® Whitening Alcohol-Free Extra Mild Mouthwash.