May 25, 2021
If you’ve ever been treated for cavities in Allen, you may be wondering if there’s anything else you can do to stop more from occurring.
Well, if you enjoy drinking green tea and coffee, then you’re in luck! These two beverages have proven to combat dental decay and have several other oral health benefits. Read on as we break down each drink and explain how they can protect your smile.
How Does Green Tea Prevent Cavities?
Not only can a delicious, hot cup of green tea help relax you, it can also be good for your oral health. It’s rich in antioxidants and contains compounds that control inflammation and fight bacterial infection.
Green tea has been proven to prevent cavities because it controls bacteria and lowers the acidity of saliva and dental plaque. A recent study shows that people who rinsed their mouths with it for five minutes had less bacteria and acid in their mouth, as well as reduced gum bleeding, when compared to before.
How Does Coffee Prevent Cavities?
If you’re an avid coffee drinker, you may have been told that it is bad for your teeth because it stains. However, while this does hold true, research has established black coffee as a valuable source of antioxidants that can benefit your oral cavity. It’s important to point out that coffee can only fight off cavities if consumed alone—adding sugar, creamer, milk, or other additives will only increase your risk of dental decay.
What Other Oral Health Benefits Do These Drinks Have?
In addition to preventing cavities, here are a few other reasons these drinks are good for your health:
- Improved gum health. Green tea and coffee both contain anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent gum disease and bone loss.
- Prevent tooth loss. As a result of reduced gum disease and tooth decay, both drinks lower your risk of losing teeth.
- Reduces bad breath. Because green tea controls the bacteria that is formed in the mouth, it can help prevent bad breath. Some studies show it even outperforms mints and chewing gum!
- Controls the growth of cancer. The antioxidants and other properties of green tea can protect against cellular damage and cancerous tumor growth. One study showed that it slowed the progression of oral cancer in patients with precancerous lesions in their mouth.
- Protects your liver. Studies show that people who drink regular or decaf coffee are more likely to have healthy liver enzyme levels than those who don’t.
- Less likely to develop Parkinson’s disease. Various studies show caffeine is linked to a lower chance of developing Parkinson’s disease, and may also help those with the condition better control their movements.
It’s worth noting that while both beverages have many advantages, they are well-known for staining teeth. Luckily, tooth discoloration can be prevented if you use a straw and avoid sipping throughout the day.
Now that you’ve learned about the oral health benefits these drinks have, consider incorporating them into your morning routine—it can do a lot for your smile!
About P.A. Dental Arts
P.A. Dental Arts offers quality restorative, preventive, and cosmetic dentistry services. Dr. Christina Blacher and Dr. Corbin Reed Alhadef are more than happy to help you meet all your oral health needs. If you think you may have cavities, or if you would like to discuss cavity prevention, they can be contacted via our website or by phone at (214) 383-5511.