We need coffee to survive.
In addition to its cavity-fighting prowess, coffee might even be effective in fighting oral cancers. Researchers from the American Cancer Society noted a correlation between coffee drinkers and a lower risk of cancer-related death. On average, subjects who consumed more than four cups of caffeinated coffee a day had a 49 percent lower risk of death from oral/ pharyngeal cancer than individuals who did not drink coffee. This research is certainly promising, but no matter the small benefits, coffee still wreaks havoc on your teeth. The tannins leave unsightly stains, the drink sticks to your tongue and causes bad breath, and the acidity erodes tooth enamel. The solution? Stop drinking coffee. Of course, no one wants to be the dentist who tells their patients they can’t drink coffee anymore. Instead, you can help your patients lessen the damage of coffee by advising them to choose smaller cup sizes, cut out the sugary toppings, and ask the barista to use less syrup when making their favorite drink.
This is pure hyperbole of course, but it can certainly feel like coffee is the only thing that helps you survive the morning after your alarm goes off. And who can deny the perks of an afternoon pick- me-up? While we can thank the caffeine in coffee for getting us through the day, the energy boost may not be the only benefit of coffee. Research published in the Journal of Conservative Dentistry (JCD) found that people who drink black coffee tend to suffer from fewer cavities. Researchers studied a random sample of 1,000 individuals who visited the Out-Patient Department of KLE Society’s Institute of Dental Sciences. The Decayed/Missing/Filled Surface (DMFS) score for control subjects who did not drink coffee was 4. Meanwhile, the DMFS score for subjects who preferred black coffee was much lower at 2.9. Coffee contains polyphenols that break down plaque-causing bacteria. Researchers believe these polyphenols are the reason some coffee drinkers report fewer cavities. However, these positive effects disappear when sweeteners or creamer are added to the morning brew. The JCD study found the DMFS score of subjects who drank coffee with additives was 5.5, almost double the score of those who drank black coffee.
The Impact of Coffee on Cavity Rates and Oral Cancer
Coffee is here to stay, and if we drink it responsibly, that might not be such a bad thing.
Spiced Pumpkin Seed Crunch
Have a Laugh
INGREDIENTS This recipe combines pumpkin seeds, a seasonal favorite, with cashews, sunflower seeds, and spices. It’s a perfect homemade snack for the fall. DIRECTIONS
• • • • • • •
● 1 large egg white
1. Heat oven to 300 F.
● 1 teaspoon light agave syrup ● 1/2 teaspoon garam masala or curry powder ● 1/4 cup shelled pumpkin seeds ● 1/4 cup shelled sunflower seeds ● 1/4 cup raw cashews, coarsely chopped ● 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper Nonstick vegetable oil spray ● 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together egg white, agave, salt, and spices. Add nuts and seeds and toss until evenly coated. 4. Using a slotted spoon, strain spoonfuls of mixture over bowl and transfer to baking sheet. Discard excess egg white mixture.
• •
5. Bake 20–25 minutes, tossing once.
6. Let cool and serve.
3
Westchester Office • 914-251-0313
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs