How Coffee and Green Tea can Improve Your Oral Health

Everybody needs a little bit of pep first thing in the morning, and many of us get that from caffeine. Globally, coffee is the most consumed drink there is, and tea is not that far behind. The energy from these drinks keeps our world turning, our society growing, and this article being written.

But can these drinks be good for your oral health? Science suggests that they might protect from bad breath, cavities, and gum disease. If you want to learn more, here’s a quick rundown of the reasons why coffee and green tea might help you prevent tooth decay.

The Benefits of Green Tea

Green tea is a healthy, calming alternative to soda, and its positive effects extend to the mouth. It’s antimicrobial, meaning that it can kill the bacteria that cause cavities. Studies suggest that by controlling the population of these bacteria, green tea prevents tooth decay and bad breath. It has also been found to reduce the pH of saliva, which can neutralize acids that erode enamel.

A Japanese study of around 1,000 men found that people who regularly consumed green tea had better health outcomes than those who didn’t. If you’re a fan of matcha, you might actually be doing your mouth a favor.

The Benefits of Coffee

People love to drink coffee, but its health benefits are touted a bit less often than tea. That doesn’t mean, however, that there aren’t any. A study published in the Journal of Conservative Dentistry found that among one thousand patients, the ones who drank mostly black coffee had fewer signs of tooth decay.

This may be due to coffee’s unique ability to stop bacteria from binding to the teeth. Another study conducted at two Italian universities found that coffee could prevent the adhesion of the bacterial strain S. mutans—commonly associated with tooth decay—to the subject’s enamel.

How to Drink Coffee and Tea Without Staining Your Teeth

These drinks have several health benefits, but one downside: both can discolor your teeth. If you want to take advantage of these positive health effects, here are a few ways to stop stains from building up:

• Use a straw when drinking. You’re less likely to develop stains if the coffee doesn’t pass through your teeth.
• Maintain good dental hygiene, brushing twice a day and flossing daily.
• Schedule regular checkups with your dentist, who can polish your teeth.

Many people, especially Americans, have far too many sugary drinks on a day-to-day basis. If that’s the case for you, maybe try switching to coffee or tea. You’ll probably feel a bit better and have a smile that shines much brighter.

About Our Practice

At DeMartino Dental Group, we have always had a knack for innovation. Our practice has been in the Lehigh Valley for over 50 years and passed from father to son. For as long as we’ve been here, we’ve been proud to offer personalized treatments using cutting-edge techniques. We were the first practice in the Lehigh Valley to offer laser dentistry, which we use to provide easy, painless care to our patients. If you have any questions about how to take care of your teeth, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (908) 859-5260.