Coffee and Dental Health

Can drinking coffee actually be good for your teeth? According to Boston University researchers, it is highly possible. In a 2014 study conducted by the university's Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine, it was determined that coffee drinkers are not compromising their dental health. According to their findings, even habitual coffee drinkers are not at an elevated risk of tooth bone loss. In addition to this, coffee contains beneficial antioxidants which may improve overall health and actually help fight gum disease.

About the Study

This Boston University study, published in the Journal of Periodontology, involved 1,152 white males, ranging from 26 to 84 years of age. Data were collected over a period of 30 years in order to determine what effects coffee can have on tooth loss. This study on the relationship of coffee and tooth decay is of great significance. This is mainly because it is the first long-term study to examine the relationship between coffee consumption and dental health. Drinking lots of coffee isn't likely to give you a sparkling white smile, but it appears that it doesn't affect whether you will need dentures down the road or not.

Antioxidants in Coffee

Medical Daily reports that coffee may even prevent tooth decay. DMD graduate Nathan Ng states, "We found that coffee consumption did not have an adverse effect on periodontal health and instead may have protective effects against periodontal disease."

Nearly two-thirds of Americans are habitual coffee drinkers. Medical Daily says that coffee is the source of most of America's daily antioxidant consumption. It reports that both regular and decaf coffee contain various antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients.

According to WebMD, coffee contains special antioxidants called quinines. These antioxidants become even more potent during the roasting process. WebMD indicates that the ingredient that may be of particular benefit to dental health is known as trigonelline. This compound is what prevents dental caries and is the same thing that gives coffee its distinctive aroma.

Beware of Add-ins!

While there are plenty of benefits to drinking coffee, there are a couple ingredients that will combat the benefits of your morning cup of joe: milk and sugar. Excessive milk adds unnecessary fat content. For those that just like a splash of milk may not have a problem but there are some of us that just a splash of coffee in our milk. If you fall in that category, opt for a non-fat milk or milk substitute to cut down the fat. Another negative add-in is sugar. Sugar is what feeds the bacteria in your mouth. Drinking sugary drinks all day can lead to tooth decay resulting in cavities and expensive restorations or even tooth loss. These sugary drinks include coffee. Instead, opt for a sugar substitute or, if you enjoy your coffee with regular sugar, make sure to brush and floss 30 minutes after.

Worried About Staining?

Lucky for you, there are plenty of options along with regular brushing and flossing to keep your teeth pearly white. There are plenty of whitening toothpastes and whitening products at your local pharmacy or grocery store. For a more professional whitening, we carry professional grade Crest whitening strips as well as the KOR whitening system at our office. For more details, visit our website or give us a call at (281)646-8888.



 Source

http://dentistrytoday.com/todays-dental-news/10680-coffee-may-fight-gum-disease http://www.medicaldaily.com/drinking-coffee-may-curb-gum-disease-new-periodontal-disease-treatment-299610 http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/the-buzz-on-coffee