2 Surprising Drinks That Can Prevent Cavities

Some people cannot start their day without a morning cup of joe. Others may drink a delicious cup of tea instead! In either case, the two popular drinks are an essential part of the daily routine. Although they’re certainly a treat for your taste buds, did you know that they benefit your oral health as well? It might sound shocking, but studies show that coffee and green tea are effective at fighting cavities and tooth decay. Read along as we take a closer look at how each drink can protect your smile!

Coffee

Has coffee become a crucial part of your morning routine? You might’ve wondered how a daily cup of joe can affect your oral health. Believe it or not, black coffee has proven to protect your teeth from cavities! One study revealed that people who drink an average of three cups of black coffee daily (without additives) might have fewer cavities than those who don’t drink coffee. However, the drink can only combat decay if consumed alone. Adding sugar, creamer, milk, or any other additives will only increase your risk of cavities.   

Other Health Benefits

In addition to preventing cavities, here are other ways drinking coffee can benefit you:

• Improved gum health. Coffee has anti-inflammatory properties that prevent gum disease and bone loss.
• Liver protection. Studies show that people who regularly drink regular or decaf coffee are more likely to have healthy liver enzyme levels.
• Lower risk of Parkinson’s disease. Many studies show that caffeine is associated with lower chances of developing Parkinson’s disease. Plus, it can help those with the condition better control their movements.

Green Tea

Not only is green tea delicious, but it has also proven to combat tooth decay! Studies show that it can prevent cavities because the drink contains fluoride, has antibacterial properties, and lowers the acidity of saliva and dental plaque. One study found that people who rinsed with green tea for five minutes had fewer bacteria and acid in their mouth when compared to before. However, you should stay away from sweet tea to keep your smile cavity-free.

Other Health Benefits

Along with fighting decay, here’s how green tea can benefit your health:

• Improved gum health. Like coffee, green tea has anti-inflammatory properties that can prevent gum disease and bone loss.
• Reduces bad breath. Since green tea controls the bacteria that develop in the mouth, it can help fight bad breath. Some studies show it even outperforms mints and chewing gum!
• Controls cancer growth. Antioxidants and other properties in green tea can protect against cellular damage and cancerous tumor growth. One study revealed that it slowed the progression of oral cancer in patients with precancerous lesions in their mouth.

Although these beverages have many oral health benefits, one downside is their ability to stain teeth. To prevent discoloration, be sure to use a straw and avoid sipping throughout the day. By doing so, you can happily enjoy your coffee and green tea knowing that they’ll keep your smile cavity-free!

About the Author

Dr. J. Lee Pettigrew earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. He always wants to provide the best for his patients, which is why he completes numerous hours of continuing education courses annually. Dr. Pettigrew enjoys educating his patients to help them make informed and confident decisions about their oral health. If you would like to learn more about the oral health benefits of coffee and green tea, you can reach Dr. Pettigrew via his website or call (817) 481-4888.