Could coffee be good for your teeth?

There are millions of people around the world who would confirm that they couldn’t make it through their day without a cup or two or more of coffee. This popular beverage has become a staple in many of our diets, and a whopping 54% of Americans said that they drink coffee on a daily basis. When it comes to coffee and your teeth, the first thing you might be thinking is the fact that it can stain your teeth and make them yellow. However, recent research has shown that coffee may actually have more positive benefits than just helping you survive your Monday morning commute.

Recently, studies have been done investigating the link between coffee and a decrease in tooth decay. The main cause of tooth decay is Streptococcus mutans (S.mutans), bacteria that sticks to your teeth and leads to tooth decay. The studies that have been completed have looked at the effect that coffee beans have on the ability of S. mutans to be able to adhere to your teeth. It has been found that coffee beans hold a certain level of antibacterial capabilities against S. mutans. It is thought that coffee beans prohibit S. mutans from attaching to the teeth, therefore allowing fewer bacteria to become absorbed in the tooth.  While the beans do not have the power to stop the growth of the bacteria, it has been shown to decrease the amount of bacteria on the teeth, which helps prevent tooth decay.

While it is being seen that consuming coffee may have a positive effect on more than your energy level, it is still important to remember its stain-inducing capabilities. There are many different ways to help prevent the staining of your teeth because of coffee consumption.  After drinking a cup of coffee, it is important to make sure any residue that remains is washed away. While it is a great idea to brush after every cup of coffee, that is usually not possible. Instead, remember to always drink a glass of water after your coffee to help get rid of residue that may lead to more staining. Another great idea to reduce the staining from coffee is to drink it with a straw. This helps to avoid the contact on your front teeth, and decreases the chance for staining. Always make sure that you are brushing every day in order to help prevent stains, and to ensure your teeth are as healthy as they can be.