This study examined the surface staining mechanism of a photopolymerized composite by coffee, oolong tea, and red wine. Dental composite was subjected to an experimental 24-hour staining cycle: 17-hour immersion in artificial saliva solution containing 0.3% mucin followed by 7-hour immersion in coffee, tea, or wine. After one, two, and four weeks, digital images of the composite surface were analyzed in grayscale mode with an imaging analyzer. Specimens polished but not immersed were used as a baseline measurement for color change. Additionally, the effects of mechanical brushing and chlorhexidine on drink-induced staining were examined. Wine caused the most severe staining, followed by tea and coffee. After four weeks of immersion, brushing reduced surface staining by wine. On the contrary, chlorhexidine increased the staining effect of tea and coffee (p<0.05) when compared to the control specimens. In conclusion, we showed that common drinks stained the dental composite, but each by a specific mechanism that depended on external conditions such as the presence of chlorhexidine.