Brazilian researchers have discovered some exciting properties of coffee extract from Coffea canephora, a type of coffee bean found in Brazil in Vietnam and commonly known as Robusta. In a published study, researchers found that the coffee extract had an anticariogenic, or anti-cavity causing effect.
Researchers grew biofilms on extracted baby teeth by using bacteria found in saliva samples. Dental plaque is a complex biofilm that naturally occurs on teeth; when not properly removed, plaque leads to tooth decay and gum disease.
These teeth were then treated with either coffee extract, chlorhexidine (a known dental antimicrobial), or Milli-Q water (ultra-pure laboratory grade water). The water was not effective toward reducing the amount of bacteria, while the coffee extract and chlorhexidine had similar effects in reducing plaque bacteria and promoting mineralization.
The coffee extract significantly decreased the number of colonies of Streptococcus mutans, which is the main cavity-causing bacteria found in plaque. In addition, the teeth treated with coffee extract had higher values of microhardness, which indicates an increase in remineralization of the tooth enamel.
So how does this apply to everyday life? Well, more research is still needed to fully understand the potential of coffee extract. However, drinking strong, black coffee in moderation may may help reduce plaque. It is important to note that heavy coffee consumption may lead to stained teeth and acid erosion of enamel due to the acidity of coffee. In addition, if you add cream and sugar to your coffee, then any of the anti-cavity properties are cancelled out. But overall, there is a known positive correlation between coffee consumption and oral health: coffee decreases plaque deposition and lowers counts of cariogenic bacteria like S. mutans.
There is much potential to use extract from Coffea canephora in dental products in the future. Who knows, one day it may be as common as the fluoride found in toothpastes and mouthrinses!
