At the Dental Comfort Center, we know most folks enjoy a hot-brewed coffee or tea in the morning, followed by a cola (or more coffee) in the afternoon. But what many don’t know is that both coffee and tea are especially tough on your teeth, because tannic acid (the substance that makes the dark color) etches into the pits and grooves of tooth enamel, and can stain your pearly whites brown.
So, if you can't give up that morning cup o’joe, what can you do? Here are some tips for minimizing the effects on your teeth:
Drs. Dennis Graber, Aaron Aadland, Cody Henriksen and team suggest rinsing with a glass of water after every cup. If you enjoy iced coffee or tea, drink your beverage with a straw so that tannins don’t make contact with your front upper and lower teeth. Even if you’re not a big coffee drinker, our doctors encourage you to swish and swallow some water at the end of each meal. Water, after all, helps neutralize acids left in your mouth after eating and also reduces cavity-causing bacteria.
Our team at the Dental Comfort Center also invite you to visit our convenient Sioux Falls office for whitening options. To learn more about whitening options at our office, please visit our website, ask us on Facebook or give us a call!
