What’s the deal with coffee and tea?
We know a lot of people enjoy a hot-brewed coffee or tea during their day. But what many don’t know is that both coffee and tea are especially tough on your teeth—especially during orthodontic treatment—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.
So, if you can’t give up that morning cup o’joe, what can you do? We 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, we encourage you to swish 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.
We hope this helps! Let us know if you have any questions!