01/16/2009 Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S658-659; text as passed Senate: CR S658-659; text of measure as introduced: CR S656) (All Actions)
Coffee and Tea Effects on Teeth. Coffee and tea are especially tough on teeth, because tannic acid scrapes into the pits and grooves of tooth enamel and can stain teeth. The amount of coffee a person consumes daily does affect the color of their teeth.
On the enamel, Gatorade was significantly more corrosive than Red Bull and Coke. Red Bull and Coke, in turn, were significantly more corrosive than Diet Coke and apple juice. On the roots of the teeth, Gatorade was more corrosive than Red Bull. Coke, apple juice, and Diet Coke followed in that order. The difference in the effect isn't simply due to their sugar content. Gatorade is 6% carbohydrates, mostly sugars. Coke is about 10% sugar. Both are acidic beverages. University of Michigan pediatric dental researcher Michael Ignelzi, DDS, PhD, has recently reviewed new research on the effects of beverages on children's teeth. But he says there's no evidence showing that sports drinks are any worse than other soft drinks.