Drinking coffee has been linked to a number of health benefits, from reducing the risk of Type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s to protecting the liver. But did you know that coffee may also help lower your risk of oral cancer?.

What is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer includes cancers of the mouth, lips, tongue, throat, and tonsils.

It is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease, with an estimated 53,000 new cases and 10,860 deaths in the United States in 2020, according to the American Cancer Society.

The Link Between Coffee and Oral Cancer Risk

Several studies have suggested that drinking coffee may lower the risk of oral cancer.

In one study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, researchers found that people who drank more than four cups of caffeinated coffee per day had a 49% lower risk of oral cancer than those who didn’t drink coffee at all or only drank it occasionally.

Another study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that coffee consumption was associated with a lower risk of oral and pharyngeal cancer, especially among people who didn’t smoke and drank four or more cups a day.

The Benefits of Coffee and its Antioxidants

Coffee is a rich source of antioxidants, which have been shown to help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, unstable molecules that can weaken or destroy cells and contribute to the development of cancer and other diseases.

Coffee also contains polyphenols, another group of antioxidants that have been shown to have anti-carcinogenic effects.

Additionally, coffee has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects, which could also help protect against cancer.

Chronic inflammation has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, and some studies suggest that coffee may help lower levels of inflammatory markers in the body.

Other Factors That Affect Oral Cancer Risk

While coffee may have a protective effect against oral cancer, it’s important to remember that there are many other factors that can affect your risk of developing the disease. Some of these include:.

Tobacco use
Alcohol consumption
HPV infection
Poor oral hygiene
Excessive sun exposure

If you smoke or drink alcohol, quitting is one of the most effective ways to lower your risk of oral cancer.

Additionally, practicing good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing regularly, and seeing a dentist for regular check-ups can help prevent the development of oral cancer.

Conclusion

While more research is needed to fully understand the link between coffee consumption and oral cancer risk, the evidence so far seems to suggest that drinking coffee may have a protective effect against the disease.

Of course, it’s important to remember that there are many other factors that can affect your risk of developing oral cancer, and maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption are still the most effective ways to prevent the disease.