Aquafresh Science Academy

Extrinsic tooth stain is generally accepted to be formed from dietary chromogenic molecules and metal ions, which become bound within the salivary pellicle layer that coats the visible enamel surfaces. [Addy and Moran, 1995; Nathoo, 1997]

Coffee, tea, wine, fruit juice and tobacco are well known for their ability to cause staining. The stain results from either coloured material binding to the tooth surface and darkening with time, or from a chemical reaction occurring in the plaque to form coloured deposits. [Kerr and Ship, 2007]