Coffee has always been reported to be bad for your teeth in large consumption, and it’s for a good reason too. Coffee contains tannins that, over time, can wear down enamel and cause issues such as tooth discoloration, which over time can allow bacteria to embed into those crevices and create plaque and tartar, ultimately resulting in tooth decay and gum disease. This is especially true if coffee is regularly drinks with creams and sugars, which often compounds those issues and increases the risk of cavities and tooth decay. However, even with all of those problems commonly reported with coffee, there are also some unknown benefits to coffee that actually help your teeth. Coffee lovers rejoice as we learn more about what allows coffee to be beneficial to our teeth.
A Cup of Coffee, Tannins, and Your Teeth
As one of the most likable drinks, coffee’s high amount of caffeine and bitter and aromatic flavor has made it indispensable for people all over the world. Coffee has turned into an art form for many as they explore new flavor profiles and experiment with preparation styles. However, the core root of coffee is coffee beans, and coffee beans have a surprising secret that is potentially good for your teeth in the right circumstances. This secret is revealed through the preparation process of turning coffee beans into the delectable dark drink we know.
The roasting process that coffee beans go through before being blended and brewed is part of what provides these benefits. According to some studies made from the Journal of Conservative Dentistry, researchers found that an anti-bacterial property called trigonelline in coffee. Trigonelline is the aromatic chemical responsible for the bitter taste and warm smell of coffee, and its anti-bacterial properties have been reported to help destroy the streptococcus mutans bacteria responsible for cavities. Within their studies, many of them looked at the preparation methods for coffee beans and found that how coffee is prepared and served has a significant impact on the amount of trigonelline in the drink.
In their conclusions for the study, they found that:
- Instant coffee provides the most amount of trigonelline when prepared, as this brewing method helps retain the trigonelline molecules and retain its anti-bacterial properties.
- Ground coffee holds fewer trigonelline molecules when brewed, specifically when it comes to the ground beans and how they’re prepared.
- The darker the roast, the better it will be at holding trigonelline molecules, which means that drinking your coffee dark is the best way to go.
- Caffeine doesn’t bring out any more benefits to the coffee and doesn’t affect the number of trigonelline molecules within coffee.
Paying Attention To Your Coffee Intake
Even with these benefits, it’s important to drink coffee in moderation so that way you avoid the consequences of tooth discoloration and cavities. If you wish to continue protecting your teeth, drinking your coffee without sugar or creamer and at least once a day can help you get the caffeine you need in the morning and protect your teeth.
