“Coffee might actually protect teeth from decay, researchers have announced. In experiments, some of the compounds found in coffee prevented bacteria from taking hold, which is the first step toward cavities,” Cosmiverse reports.

The components chlorogenic acid, nicotinic acid and trigonelline prevent decay-causing Streptococcus mutans microbes from sticking to a synthetic tooth surface, says Carla Pruzzo and her colleagues at the University of Ancona, Italy. She says further testing with animals and humans is necessary to determine whether or not they do the same on real teeth. ‘These studies may help us understand the relationship between diet and cavities,’ says Pruzzo.

Trigonelline is the main contributor to coffee’s bitter taste. It was found to be the most potent anti-adhesive. Caffeine does not fight decay. Coffee beans — green and roasted — have long been known to contain antibacterial and antioxidant chemicals, but how most of these compounds act is unknown.

Related: anti-globalism protestors rally, accuse Starbucks of “dental hegemony.”