COFFEE: HEALTHY HABIT OR HIDDEN RISK? TPD BLOG #144
THE PALEO DENTIST BLOG
BLOG #138 COFFEE: HEALTHY HABIT OR HIDDEN RISK?
Dr. Spiker Davis D.D.S. 713-781-2800 Dr. Matt Guerre D.D.S.
In collaboration with Dr. John Seger M.D. Cardiologist 713-791-9444 and Jenna Nixon Holistic Nutritionist 281-433-9996
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In my opinion, Coffee may be one of the most misunderstood beverages in the world. For
years, coffee was viewed with suspicion. Today, many researchers consider moderate coffee
consumption to be associated with improved health and longevity.
So who's right? As with most health questions, the answer is: It depends on who you ask.
Coffee Has Changed a lot over the years and many of the studies that raised concerns about
coffee were conducted decades ago. One big question is what is considered moderate. Most
research says that 2-4 cups per day or 200-400 mg per day. A typical cup of coffee is about an
8-ounce serving which is about 80-100 mg of caffeine. Of course, you can make it stronger or
weaker.
Modern research suggests that moderate coffee consumption may be associated with:
Lower risk of Type 2 diabetes
Better mental alertness
Improved exercise performance
Reduced risk of certain neurodegenerative diseases
Increased longevity
Coffee contains hundreds of biologically active compounds, including antioxidants known as
polyphenols. In my opinion, The Problem Isn't Usually the Coffee-it’s what you add to it. How
many people do you know that drink straight black coffee?
Many coffee drinks contain:
Large amounts of sugar
Artificial flavorings
Sweetened syrups
Whipped toppings
Some coffee beverages contain more sugar than a soft drink especially the ones you buy from
coffee shops. From both a health and dental perspective, that's where trouble begins.
Coffee and Dental Health-Coffee itself is not a major cavity-causing beverage.
However, it can contribute to Tooth Staining, Acidity and a change in the oral microbiome.
Coffee is mildly acidic and may contribute to enamel wear in susceptible individuals.
Added Sugar-research says that 50-70 % of coffee drinker add some type of sweetener to their
coffee.
Sugar is my biggest dental concern as it can cause lots of decay and gum disease and
especially if you sip your coffee for long periods of time. Bacteria feed on sugar and produce
acids that increase the risk of tooth decay.
A Better Approach in my opinion is to eliminate the sugar. Personally, I enjoy 1-2 cups of
coffee most mornings, but instead of sugar, I use monk fruit or Stevia with no added other
chemicals.
This provides sweetness without feeding the cavity-causing bacteria that thrive on sugar.
Many people also find that black coffee or coffee with a small amount of cream is well
tolerated.
When Coffee Can Become a Problem
Coffee may not be ideal for everyone.
Potential concerns include:
Anxiety
Palpitations
Elevated blood pressure in sensitive individuals
Sleep disruption
Even healthy foods and beverages can become problematic when consumed in excess.
My Recommendation
If you enjoy coffee:
Keep it simple
Avoid sugar and try Monk Fruit or Stevia
Avoid highly processed coffee drinks
Monitor your sleep quality by not drinking coffee after lunch
Drink it earlier in the day if caffeine affects your sleep
For most healthy adults, moderate coffee consumption can be part of an overall healthy
lifestyle.
The Bottom Line
Coffee is neither a miracle food nor a dangerous toxin. Like many things in health, context
matters.
A cup of coffee enjoyed as part of a healthy lifestyle is very different from a large sugary
coffee dessert consumed every day.
The goal is not perfection. The goal is making small daily choices that support long-term
health.
According to the American Heart Association you should not consume more than 6 grams of
coffee per day for heart health. Many people get double that amount to start the day with their
coffee.
Remember: Your mouth is the gateway to your overall health.
Spiker Davis DDS
The Paleo Dentist™
Helping patients connect oral health, total health, and healthy longevity.
SUMMARY-It is obvious to ME that your mouth is the window to your health. In my opinion, we MUST all focus on our health every day and that includes brushing, flossing, dental cleanings and while we are at it, let’s visit our physician for that annual checkup. Also, in my opinion almost all sugar and FAKE sugar is not healthy, and YOU SHOULD try hard to avoid it. If you are eating the Standard American Diet, then you asking to get sick and as shown by MANY STUDIES you will double your risk of stroke if you have gum disease and decay. NOW IS THE TIME TO PLAN AND FOCUS ON ORAL HEALTH. WE HOPE THAT IMPROVING DENTAL HEALTH IS AT THE TOP OF YOUR LIST.
The doctors and staff are behind you and please call us if we can help. 713-781-2800. Also, please call or email JENNA NIXON if you need some detailed NUTRITIONAL counseling from a true WELL-TRAINED professional and call Dr. John Seger if you have any heart issues.
REMEMBER, “YOU DON’T HAVE TO FLOSS ALL OF YOUR TEETH, JUST THE ONES YOU WANT TO KEEP”!
LET’S MAKE 2026 OUR HEALTHIEST YEAR EVER!
SpikeR
“THE MOUTH IS THE WINDOW TO YOUR HEALTH”. BRUSH AND FLOSS TWICE DAILY, AVOID SUGAR AND PROCESSED FOOD FOR 2026 AND SEE YOUR DENTIST AND PHYSICIAN ON A REGULAR BASIS.
Spiker Davis D.D.S. spiker@thepaleodentist.com John Seger M.D. Matt Guerre D.D.S. Jenna Nixon Nutritioist
Jenna@goodthingsnaturalhealth.com 281-433-9996
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