It is thought that coffee causes bad breath. But the elements present in coffee could instead prevent the emergence of bacteria that causes bad breath, according to a team of Israeli researchers who presented their work in April for members of the international society for research on the breath, Germany.

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 have discovered that coffee reduces bacterial activity.

“Everyone thinks that coffee gives me bad breath,” stated Mel Rosenberg, a specialist in the breath at the University of Tel Aviv, who led the study. “And it’s often true, because the coffee, which has a dehydrating effect in the mouth, becomes stronger when mixed with milk, to ferment and can create a smelly substance.”

The researchers studied samples of saliva mixed with extracts from three different brands of coffee. The results show that the three types of coffee reduces the bacterial activity. By measuring the gas emitted by the bacteria, researchers noted a decrease of gas that give bad breath.

Mel Rosenberg said the findings could help launch a new range of products for breath, such as chewing gum or mouthwash.

From coffee extract purified could be added to the pellets for the breath to stop the formation of the bacteria and eliminate bad breath at its source, rather than hide it, “said Rosenberg.