Is Coffee Damaging Your Smile?

posted: Mar. 18, 2025.

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world. Many people have a cup, or two, or even three a day. It’s common to drink it in the morning to wake up and get ready for the day, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or just to catch up with a coworker or friend.

These days there are many different kinds of coffee flavors to enjoy, so it’s almost impossible for a person not to like it. But as delicious as coffee is, it’s worthwhile to be aware of the effects it has on our dental health.

Coffee contains a lot of tannic acid, which is what causes its dark color. Tannic acid ingrains itself into the grooves of tooth enamel, and that leads to serious stains. In addition to containing tannic acid, the fact that coffee is generally served very hot makes your teeth expand and contract, which allows the stains to penetrate even farther into the enamel.

the doctor and our team know it’s not easy to kick the caffeine habit. If you find yourself needing a cup of joe every day, here are some helpful tips to consider:

Switch to decaf coffee.
Make it a habit to drink a glass of water with your coffee to rinse away the acid.
Try enjoying your coffee with a straw so the tannic acid makes less contact with your front and lower teeth.
Pop in a piece of gum after your coffee to help prevent a dry mouth.

If you’re feeling ambitious, you might find that setting a limit on the number of cups of coffee you have per week or even per day can be helpful. You are always welcome to contact our Woodridge, Illinois office to discuss potential whitening options as well. We’re here to help!

Location

Our Location

Find us on the map

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am-7:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

Closed

Thursday:

7:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

8:00 am-1:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Read about helpful topics

Broken Teeth

Even though enamel is the hardest substance in the body, teeth aren’t indestructible, and chipped, cracked, and broken teeth are among the most common dental injuries. Tooth fractures might result from accidents, trauma, tooth grinding, chewing hard objects and foods, or extensive decay. Tooth injuries ...
Read More
Apicoectomy

Root canal therapy is often enough to treat infection in the inner tooth successfully. If pain or inflammation return, however, these symptoms can indicate a new or recurring infection. In such cases, an apicoectomy is a common surgical procedure used to save the tooth and restore the health of the surrounding ...
Read More
Tooth Pain

Pain is a signal that something is wrong. Any tooth pain should be taken seriously because ignoring this symptom can lead to more serious dental and medical consequences. Among the common causes of tooth pain are decay, erosion, infection, and trauma. Tooth Decay Tooth decay begins with the bacteria ...
Read More
Orthodontic Emergencies

If you experience severe pain or a problem with your orthodontic equipment that cannot be fixed at home, you will need to contact your orthodontist immediately to get it resolved. Leaving your tooth in pain or your equipment damaged for a long period of time will ultimately set back your treatment plan. ...
Read More
Traumatic Dental Injuries

Traumatic dental injuries occur most often in children and teenagers, although people of all ages can experience them as well. Sports accidents, car accidents, and falls or trips are all examples of how someone can experience a traumatic dental injury. If you have experienced this type of injury, it’s ...
Read More
Snoring and Sleep Apnea

Is it snoring or sleep apnea? Snoring occurs when soft tissues in the throat area relax during sleep, partially blocking airways and vibrating with the passage of air. It’s this vibration that causes that distinctive snoring sound. If you’re one of the millions of people who snore, you know how those ...
Read More
Bruxism

Bruxism is the medical term for excessive tooth grinding and/or jaw clenching. Because our jaw muscles are capable of producing hundreds of pounds of force, continuous grinding and clenching can cause significant damage to teeth and jaws without dental intervention. Unconscious grinding or clenching ...
Read More
Smile Makeover

When you’re happy with your smile, you’re able to greet the world confidently, both personally and professionally. Concerns about your smile can undermine that confidence. If you’d like to correct imperfections in your smile, cosmetic dentistry can transform your look and your outlook with innovative ...
Read More
TMD

The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) connect the temporal bones on each side of the skull to the mandible, or lower jawbone. These complex, hinge-like joints allow the mouth to open and close, move back and forth, and slide from side to side. Muscle, bone, and cartilage work together for easy and comfortable ...
Read More
Mouthguards

While you’re living your active life, be sure to protect your smile. A mouthguard is essential safety gear whenever you participate in any sport or activity that could lead to dental trauma. Oral and dental injuries are very common for athletes, and often these injuries can be prevented or reduced ...
Read More

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say About Us

"Thank you! You truly are a magician! My teeth look and feel great! You and your staff were kind, competent, and understanding. Thank you!"

Thelma W.
"My family and I have been going to Hobson Dental and Dr. DeWeirdt for many, many years. The service is always amazing, and the staff treat us like family!! I highly recommend Hobson Dental!!"

Lara K.
"My whole family comes here and we love it! The staff are all so nice and caring. I love that it feels like a small town dental office; they remember you each and every time. Dr Deweirdt is an excellent dentist. He’s thorough and doesn’t rush into rash decisions about procedures."

Allison C.
"Excellent service from the moment I walked in the door!! My family and I found our new dentist. Dr. Deweirdt is awesome!! He answered all my questions and provided remarkable feedback. Most importantly I was pleased with his work!"

Margaret J.
"I have been going to Hobson Dental for almost 30 years. Pleasant, professional and courteous staff. Dr. Deweirdt knows his patients and families. I highly recommend Hobson Dental if you’re looking for a dentist."

Melissa A.
"Dr. DeWeirdt is hilarious, which makes you look forward to each visit. But he’s also very good at what he does, so you know you will be treated right. Staff is friendly, good hours to fit your schedule. Have referred family and friends there, many times."

Zach G.
"Dr. D and his staff are incredible. I can honestly say I Love ❤️ going to my dentist. He and his staff make you feel at home. Dr. D eliminates the stress and anxiety that can come with visiting the dentist. THEY ARE SUPERB!!!"
"I have been going to Hobson Dental since I was in college, 25 plus years. Dr Dewierdt is the BEST, great bedside manner and just a really good guy! He also knows his stuff. The staff at Hobson Dental has also been wonderful throughout the years from the Dental assistants, dental hygienists to the front desk. Highly recommend if you are looking for a new Dentist."

Anne S.
"Entire office is friendly. Hygenist Heidi was gentle and thorough. Always make me feel comfortable.
I have been a patient for several years."

Robyn
"Can't say enough great things about Hobson Dental. Great dentistry, they listen and truly understand their patients needs. Dr Glen DeWeirdt is fantastic and so personable. 100 star rating from me!!"

Sue C.
"Great dentist. Dr Glen deweirdt is wonderful. They are all so caring and understanding. They make you feel comfortable and relaxed. My experience was nothing but the best. Would highly recommend Hobson dental to everyone."

David M.
"Great dental care provider. Been coming here for years. Hygienists are nice and careful. Dr D is the best and does awesome work!! You will be well cared for."

Mike G.

Location

Hobson Dental Associates