Green tea is regarded by many as a healthy drink and there is an ongoing belief that green tea is beneficial in fighting a variety of health issues. New research is now suggesting that this favorite drink of many may also be beneficial to your oral health. Green tea is rich in antioxidants and is believed to contain compounds that can help fight inflammation and bacterial infection.
Here are some ways green tea may be helping your mouth:
Better gum health — Some studies have shown that people who drink tea regularly have healthier gums. In fact, the anti-inflammatory properties of green tea may also have an impact when it comes to fighting periodontal disease since the root of the disease stems from inflammation in the gums caused by bacteria.
Better breath — If you want to have fresh-smelling breath, drink green tea. Green tea kills the microorganisms that are responsible for bad breath. In studies conducted to determine the best way to control bad breath, a variety of products were tested to see which worked best, including: chewing gum, parsley-seed oil, mints, and green tea. Green tea emerged from the study victorious.
Cavity prevention — Since green tea controls bacteria in the mouth, it could help prevent cavities. Studies have shown that people who rinsed their mouths with green tea are found to have fewer bacteria and acid in the mouth. Green tea also helps lower the acidity of saliva and combats dental plaque.
Prevents tooth loss — Green tea may support minimizing cavities and gum disease, which are major causes of tooth loss.
While research is still being conducted on the impacts of green tea, there is some evidence that it could be having a positive impact on oral health. If you are at risk for periodontal disease or cavities, it may be worth exploring green tea as an option to improve your oral health.