Coffee May Help Keep the Dentist Away!

Tue, Aug 18, 15 by Jim Couch

Most people know that properly brushing and flossing teeth help with a healthy smile. A recent study also suggests that drinking black coffee may help maintain this as well!  The study was published in Letters in Applied Microbiology June 7, and found that coffee which contains high amounts of caffeine can destroy bacteria that cause dental plaque.

Dental plaque is the main culprit in tooth decay and gum disease. By reducing the plaque, risk of decay is also reduced. During the study, donated teeth were treated with Robusta coffee and compared after a week to teeth that were treated with only filtered water. It was found that the coffee-treated teeth were in better condition and that the polyphenols in coffee had destroyed bacteria on the teeth.

Keep in mind not to overdo it - too much coffee may have a negative impact on tooth enamel (especially acidic varieties) and it’s important to remember this is for black coffee. Coffee mixed with milk and sugar can add to tooth decay. Other foods known to have a positive effect on dental health include cheese and yogurt because of their calcium content, as well as green tea, grapes, and coffee because of their antibacterial properties.