Halitosis, or bad breath, is often caused by deposits of bacteria due to dental or gum problems, and often indicates a health problem. By studying the effect of coffee on saliva, researchers at Tel Aviv University found that coffee reduced this bacterial activity.
“Everyone thinks coffee makes bad breath,” said Mel Rosenberg, a breath specialist at Tel Aviv University, who led the study. “And this is often true, because coffee, which has a dehydrating effect in the mouth, becomes strong when mixed with milk, and can ferment to create a smelly substance.”
The researchers studied saliva samples mixed with extracts from three different brands of coffee. The results show that all three types of coffee reduce bacterial activity. By measuring the gas given off by the bacteria, the researchers noted a drop in gases that give off bad breath.
Mel Rosenberg said the findings could help launch a new line of breath products, such as chewing gum or mouthwashes.
Purified coffee extract could be added to breath lozenges to stop the bacteria from forming, and suppress bad breath at the source, instead of masking it, Rosenberg said.
Source: Tel Aviv University