New research suggests that coffee drunk in moderation can actually stop tooth decay. Brazilian scientists have found that a certain type of coffee bean has an anti-bacterial property. They found that the coffee actively broke down bacterial biofilms, are a major cause of tooth decay.? If it is drunk strong, black, without sugar, and in moderation, it could help keep teeth healthy.

The researchers think that polyphenol antioxidants in the coffee were probably responsible for the effect, but more research is needed to establish a direct link.

Whilst this is an exciting result, we have to be careful to add that there are problems associated with excessive coffee consumption, including staining and the effects of acidity on tooth enamel.

How Does Coffee Stain Teeth?

Although the enamel of your teeth is the hardest substance in the human body, it is not flat and smooth. The enamel on your teeth is what helps keep your teeth strong and healthy. As enamel wears off, your teeth are vulnerable to damage and disease. Large consumption of caffeine is related to the degradation of the enamel on your teeth. Additionally, your tooth enamel contains microscopic pits and ridges that can hold particles of food and drink. Pigments from dark-colored drinks such as coffee, tea, and soda can become embedded in those cracks and ridges and, if the proper steps are not taken, can cause permanent, yellowing stains on your teeth.

How to prevent staining:

Giving up coffee, tea, or other tooth-staining beverages is the best way to prevent the staining caused by those drinks, but for most people, this is not an acceptable solution.

Rather than abstaining, try to consume your coffee at specific break times, rather than sipping constantly throughout the day. After finishing your coffee, you can then rinse your mouth out with water or brush your teeth to remove the potentially yellowing pigments from your teeth.

Reducing the amount of caffeine you consume can help protect your enamel and help prevent further staining and damage to your teeth. It is also recommended that you drink coffee, tea and soda out of a straw to minimize how much of the drink come into contact with the surface of your teeth.

Using a whitening toothpaste and brushing regularly is a good way to maintain whiter teeth at home. In addition, visiting your dentist’s office for regular cleanings can remove many of the surface stains on your teeth, giving you a whiter smile, no matter how many cups of coffee you need to make it through the day.

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