Coffee has come a long way from being a guilty pleasure to becoming a healthy habit! With its numerous benefits, including supporting brain, liver, and heart health, it’s no wonder that people can’t resist their daily cup of joe. But have you ever wondered about the effects of coffee on your teeth? Most people believe that coffee is damaging as it is acidic and can stain teeth. However, you might be surprised to find out there are other ways coffee actually helps your teeth!
A Surprising Benefit for Teeth
Drinking coffee can actually aid in preventing bone loss in your jaw, which in turn can keep your teeth secure and prevent them from falling out. This may come as a shock to many, since coffee was once believed to contribute to bone loss. However, recent studies, including one published in the journal PLoS One in 2016, have shown that post-menopausal women who consumed the most coffee had better bone density compared to women who drank less coffee.
Bone loss in the jaw, along with most bone loss, is primarily caused by osteoporosis. This condition mostly affects post-menopausal women. When one loses bone density in the jaw, teeth can become loose and eventually fall out. Therefore, if coffee can help maintain bone density in post-menopausal women, it is also helping their teeth remain strong and healthy.
Battle Bacteria with Green Coffee Beans
In addition to protecting your jaw bone, coffee also offers another surprising health benefit. Green coffee beans, which are unroasted coffee beans, have been found to fight bacteria in the mouth and guard your gums against periodontal disease. Green coffee beans are available as an extract which can be easily added to your daily routine.
Balancing the Benefits and Drawbacks
Although these benefits may be music to your ears, it’s essential to recognize that the acidity of coffee can still soften tooth enamel and dull your once gleaming smile. To minimize these negative effects and enjoy your java while maintaining good dental health, consider the following tips:
- Drink coffee through a straw to minimize contact with your teeth.
- Rinse your mouth out with water after you enjoy your coffee.
- Wait at least 30 minutes after drinking coffee to brush your teeth. This gives your enamel time to harden so that you don’t scrub away the protective layer.
- Try natural tooth whitening methods like oil pulling, using activated charcoal, or incorporating apple cider vinegar into your routine.
- Limit yourself to a maximum of five cups of coffee per day to minimize the damaging effects on your teeth.
By following these simple guidelines, you can continue to relish your daily coffee fix without sacrificing your oral health. So go ahead, enjoy that cup of joe, and smile confidently knowing that not only is it benefiting your overall health, but it is also supporting your teeth and bones!
