According to Brazilian scientists, a strong cup of black coffee could stop you from getting tooth decay. New research suggests that, if drunk in moderation without milk or sugar, the drink could fight bacteria and prevent cavities from developing in your teeth.
Researchers from Rio de Janerio’s Federal University tested extracted milk teeth using an extract from Coffea Canephora – a type of bean that is found in around 30% of coffee in the world. The results showed that the coffee actively broke down the bacterial biofilms which cause plaque to develop – a main cause of tooth decay.
Lead researcher Andrea Antonio said that the team were looking for a natural compound, found in food and drink, to have ‘a positive impact on dental health.’ Despite the results of the paper – which is published in the journal Letters in Applied Microbiology – Professor Antonio warned that this does not mean coffee should be consumed in large amounts, he added ‘whilst this is an exciting result, we have to be careful to add that there are problems associated with excessive coffee consumption, including staining and the effects of acidity on tooth enamel.’ He also warned that drinking the coffee with a lot of sugar and cream would probably lead to dental problems rather than preventing decay.