Chances are that you’ve had a cavity or two at some point in your life. With proper oral hygiene and being careful about the things you eat and drink, you can prevent them from occurring in the future. But did you know that a couple popular beverages also help to combat tooth decay? That’s right – coffee and green tea have shown to protect your teeth against cavities. Continue reading to learn more from your dentist about why this is and the other benefits of the beverages.
How Do Coffee and Green Tea Protect Against Cavities?
In recent studies, evidence has shown that black coffee is active against an organism called “Streptococcus Mutans” which is responsible for causing tooth decay that leads to cavities. Roasted coffee also contains antiadhesive properties that prevent this organism and other harmful materials from sticking to the teeth.
As for green tea, it controls bacteria and lowers the acidity in the mouth. It contains powerful compounds known as polyphenols which have been shown to reduce the number of harmful bacteria that cause tooth decay. Also, loose leaf green tea also contains small amount of fluoride which is known for its tooth strengthening properties.
It is worthwhile to remember that both of these beverages contain tannins which are well-known for staining teeth. In order to avoid surface discoloration, drink them through a straw and don’t sip on them all day.
How Else Are These Beverages Beneficial?
In addition to protecting your smile against tooth decay, drinking black coffee and green tea has other great benefits. Here are just a few of them:
- Improved Gum Health: Both coffee and tea have anti-inflammatory properties that can help prevent gum disease, bone loss, and other inflammation in the mouth. The antioxidants found in green tea, known as catechins, inhibit the growth of bacteria that causes gingivitis and breaks down gum tissue. Studies have shown that people who drink green tea regularly tend to have healthier gums than those who don’t.
- Less Tooth Loss: Ultimately, by reducing periodontal disease and tooth decay, you have a lower probability of losing your teeth.
- Reducing Bad Breath: Green tea has been associated with better smelling breath. In fact, it has shown to outperform both mints and gum when it comes to reducing halitosis.
Starting off your morning with a hot, black coffee or a cup of green tea can do a lot of good for your smile. Consider incorporating them into your diet if you haven’t already. Your smile will thank you!
About the Author
Dr. Marc Thomas graduated from the University of the Pacific back in 1993 before serving in the US Army Dental Corps taking care of troops. Since then, he has been committed to staying on top of new developments in the field through numerous continuing education courses. He is a member of several professional organizations including the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. For more information on caring for your smile or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Thomas, visit his website or call (775) 626-3535.