Roughly 90% of adults aged 20 or older have had at least one cavity according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Since you are likely part of the majority, you know how frustrating it can be to have a sensitive or painful tooth. Things like brushing twice and flossing once per day can help prevent cavities, but there are some other ways to keep cavities at bay that may surprise you. Read on to learn about two beverages that can help you prevent cavities.
How Coffee Protects Against Cavities
The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) has done research on how coffee impacts oral health. They found that drinking black coffee can help fight Streptococcus Mutans, which is an organism that contributes significantly to tooth decay. They had 1,000 people consume only coffee and another 1,000 consume other beverages. Coffee also contains antiadhesive properties. This means that drinking coffee can help keep harmful oral bacteria from adhering to the teeth.
Though coffee consumed black can aid in cavity prevention, adding cream or sweetener to it will minimize the effects. In fact, this may make you more likely to develop cavities since oral bacteria will feed on the sugar and release acids that attack your enamel.
How Green Tea Protects Against Cavities
The NCBI did studies related to how green tea affects one’s smile and discovered that it can help prevent cavities. Green tea contains fluoride, a mineral that is added to many dental products and public drinking water sources due to its ability to strengthen teeth against decay. Green tea also is acid-resistant and it helps keep bacteria in the mouth under control. Additionally, it contains polyphenols. These powerful compounds are known to reduce the oral bacteria that cause cavities.
3 Other Benefits of Drinking Coffee & Green Tea
Along with the above benefits, there are other ways that drinking coffee and green tea can help you maintain a healthy smile, such as:
- Improved gum health – Both coffee and green tea have anti-inflammatory properties. This means that they can help prevent gum disease. Green tea also contains antioxidants that inhibit the growth of the bacteria that cause gum disease.
- Less tooth loss – A lower rate of cavities and gum disease means that you are also less likely to lose teeth or have to have them pulled.
- Preventing bad breath – Drinking green tea and coffee can lower the concentration of volatile sulfur compounds in your mouth that are associated with bad breath.
So, consider adding a cup of black coffee or green tea to your morning meal or afternoon snack. This will help you prevent cavities so you can keep your smile looking lovely and bright for years to come!
About the Author
Dr. Donald Marks is the skilled dentist who leads the team of passionate oral health professionals at Donald Marks Family Dentistry. Located in State College, they treat their Pennsylvania patients with a range of exceptional treatments that help them maintain healthy, happy smiles. They can also teach you about different foods and drinks, such as coffee and green tea, that can promote good oral health and prevent cavities from forming. Call Donald Marks Family Dentistry at (814) 234-0329 or visit their website for more information or to make an appointment with Dr. Marks and his team.
