Some foods have a bad reputation, but they don’t deserve it at all. This is the case of one of the most loved drinks by Italians. In fact, many believe that it damages the teeth, when in fact it helps to keep the mouth healthy. So all that remains is to find out what it is.
Almost everyone is unaware that this beloved drink does not damage teeth, but rather protects them from cavities
When it comes to tooth decay, prevention is the best cure. In fact, this ailment not only causes discomfort and pain, but also causes a heavy bill at the dentist.
This is why everyone should brush their teeth after every meal without making a widespread mistake and avoid excessive consumption of foods that damage the smile. But these foods aren’t necessarily what you expect.
Sugary drinks and sweets are certainly not good for your teeth. This is why many think that chocolate also causes tooth decay. This is not exactly the case: if you choose the right type of chocolate, it can even promote the health of the mouth.
The same can be said for coffee: almost everyone is unaware that this beloved drink does not damage the teeth, but rather protects them from tooth decay. Additionally, coffee can help ward off other oral health ailments. How is it possible?
How coffee helps prevent tooth decay and other ailments
If coffee helps your teeth, why does it have a bad reputation? The reason is that the most loved drink by Italians has the bad defect of yellowing the teeth. This fact, unfortunately, is true: the substances present in the coffee penetrate the pores of the enamel, causing the stains.
But this aesthetic problem does not mean that coffee is an enemy of oral health! On the contrary, as Humanitas experts explain, the drink fights the proliferation of bacteria that cause tooth decay (such as Streptococcus mutans).
And that’s not all. Coffee is also an excellent source of polyphenols, and in particular of chlorogenic acid. These antioxidant substances protect not only from tooth decay, but also from inflammation such as gingivitis and periodontitis which, if left untreated, can lead to very serious diseases.
However, there is an important clarification to make. To enjoy all these benefits, don’t make a big mistake: never sweeten your coffee! Enjoying a bitter espresso allows you not only to savor all the aroma of coffee, but also to avoid an expensive visit to the dentist.