Ask the Dr.'s at Arch Dental: How to avoid coffee and tea st

We all may enjoy a hot-brewed coffee or tea in the morning, followed by a cola (or more coffee) in the afternoon. 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? The Dr.'s and team at Arch Dental 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 and swallow some water at the end of each meal. Water helps neutralize acids left in your mouth and reduces cavity-causing bacteria.

We also invite you to visit our convenient Manhattan, Garden City or Huntington office for teeth whitening options. To learn more about whitening options, please visit our website or give us a call!