Drink Green Tea for Oral Health

***UPDATED: February 8, 2016*** Several studies have proven the health benefits of green tea, but new research from the University of Illinois, College of Dentistry has found that compounds in black tea are also beneficial.   The study revealed that those compounds are capable of killing or suppressing growth of cavity-causing bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Streptococcus mutans in plaque, according to a recent article from the Oral Health Group. Researchers also discovered that drinking black tea can also affect the bacterial enzyme glucosyltranferase, which is a major component in the process of converting sugars to the sticky material that plaque uses to adhere to teeth. As part of the study, volunteers rinsed with black tea for 30 seconds five times at three-minute intervals. As a result, plaque bacteria actually stopped growing and producing acid, decreasing the risk of developing tooth decay. While the study indicated that the benefits of drinking black tea are substantial, lead researcher, Dr. Christina Wu, pointed out that good oral hygiene remains a critical piece to obtaining great oral health.

Green tea has been all the rave for the past few years due to its high antioxidant content and its affect on health.  But what many people do not realize is that green tea can actually improve your oral health and support a healthier smile.

Tea continues to be the 2nd most popular drink behind water in the world, but green tea has some unique attributes to it that make it extra beneficial for our mouth.  A 2009 study released by The American Academy of Periodontology showed that those who drank at least 1 cup of green tea a day had better oral health than those who did not.  It’s also been found to kill oral cancer cells and lessen the formation of dental plaque.  Another huge benefit is its affect on breath.  Coffee has the reputation of actually causing bad breathe whereas green tea can actually heal bad breath.

The powerful presence of antioxidants in green tea seem to have endless benefits on our bodies, so consider adding this power drink to your diet for better overall health, including healthier teeth.  Make it part of your oral health routine which should also include regularly brushing, flossing and visiting your sedation dentists.