Is just about everyone encouraging you to kick your coffee habit? Stay strong (no pun intended)! You may have already informed your well-meaning friends and relatives about the health benefits of coffee. Increased alertness and a reduced risk of some cancers and Type 2 Diabetes are probably your favorite things to throw out there. Now there is something new to add to your arsenal. A new study from Boston University shows drinking coffee may help you fight gum disease, too.
Is Coffee The Answer To Your Gum Disease Woes?
“Coffee consumption was associated with a small but statistically significant reduction in number of teeth with periodontal bone loss,” the new study concludes, according to an August 22 article in The Daily Mail. As it stands, researchers have only witnessed the connection between coffee consumption and lower risks for gum disease in men. (Cheer up, ladies! This is one of the first studies of its kind, and it actually only involved male subjects. Similar studies — this time including women — are sure to follow.)
Don’t Start Brushing With Coffee Grounds Just Yet
This is not the end of the story, however. Unfortunately, drinking coffee is not cure-all, especially when it comes to your teeth. While it may do wonders (arguably) for your gums, coffee is also well-known for staining teeth’s surfaces. Combat stains with regular brushing — the average toothbrush has 25,000 individual bristles in 40 tufts, but any ol’ toothbrush will do. You may also want to look into the cost of professional teeth whitening. Family dentists recommend going in for a thorough cleaning at least twice per year. During these visits, dentists are more than happy to discuss the cost of professional teeth whitening as well as any other cosmetic dental treatments you may need.
Go ahead and enjoy your morning cup — or cups — of joe. Your gums will thank you for it. Just remember to combat stains by keeping up on brushing (brushes harbor bacteria so make sure to replace them regularly!), and heading to your local cosmetic dental clinic for a professional cleaning here and there.
