Scientists have known for years that coffee has chemical properties that prevent cavities. This finding seems to go against common sense. After all, doesn’t coffee stain teeth? To be fair, yes, coffee can stain a person’s teeth or dentures. Coffee pigment is dark and can stain many porous surfaces. Those who brush their teeth regularly (two or three times a day) should have no reason to worry about coffee staining their teeth.

As a coffee distributor, I’ve done my own research on the world’s second favorite beverage (water ranks first). And as a longtime coffee drinker, i can honestly say that my teeth feel cleaner when i move the coffee around in my mouth, especially after eating. So how does coffee really protect teeth from cavities? According to a 2002 study by the American Chemical Society (Coffee May Help Prevent Cavities), coffee fights cavities in two ways. First, roasted beans have antibacterial properties that protect against some destructive microorganisms, including Streptococcus mutans, which is found on teeth. Coffee can neutralize these microorganisms by up to 98 percent.

And that is just the beginning. Coffee also contains non-stick properties. This means that the ability of microorganisms to adhere to teeth is decreased. Combine the two properties, and your teeth will be less susceptible to the threats that cavities cause. In fact, many of coffee’s rivals are responsible for the activity that causes cavities. Carbonated drinks and any other that contains sugar can spell disaster for your teeth over time. This includes most popular sports and energy drinks. Bacteria in the mouth convert sugar into acids that destroy enamel.

Does this suggest that the more coffee you drink, the more protection against cavities you’ll enjoy? Even if that were the case, my advice to you is to enjoy your coffee without overdoing it. Unless you have heart problems or are pregnant, you can safely drink several cups a day and enjoy all kinds of benefits. For example, I’ve read that drinking six or more cups of coffee a day can reduce a person’s risk of diabetes by an average of 42 percent. I recommend that you drink most of your coffee shortly after waking up and at least four hours before bed to ensure that the caffeine is out of your system. And to maximize the decay-protecting properties, give your beer a good swish around the mouth.