Dr. Jennifer Vitarelli

5 Ways Green Tea Benefits Your Oral Health

Green tea may well be great for your overall health and weight loss, but new research suggests that it has benefits for your oral cavity as well. Green tea has several compounds that help in controlling inflammation and fighting back bacterial infections. The hot beverage also has antioxidants which have many healthy attributes.

But how does it benefit your oral health? Here are five ways green tea benefits your mouth health.

Helps Control Periodontal Disease

Green tea has natural anti-inflammatory properties that help control periodontal disease (gum disease). A recent survey of 1,000 participants suggests that those individuals who drink green tea regularly had healthier gums than those who don’t.

Another study recently held found positive results when people were asked to eat candies containing green-tea extracts. If your gums continue to bleed or swell, don’t wait to visit a dentist for periodontal therapy

Prevents Cavities

Green tea has the power to control bacteria and reduce acidity in saliva and dental plaque. It is recently found to be a useful tool in preventing future cavities. A study recently revealed that people who rinse their mouth with green tea for five minutes had fewer bacteria and acid in their mouths and as well as reduced bleeding from gums.

There are several other research studies that suggest drinking green tea regularly shows promising results in preventing conditions like tooth decay.

Protects Against Cancerous Tumour Growth

The rich antioxidants of green tea have been shown to protect your body from cancerous tumor growth as well as protect against cellular damage. In a study recently held in Texas, green-tea extract was given to several patients with precancerous lesions of oral mucosa and the findings show there was a slowed progression in oral cancer.

There have been several animal studies that have also found that tea compounds can prevent cancer growth. 

Prevents Tooth Loss

Green tea prevents cavities and gum disease, so it makes perfect sense that it also protects your teeth and prevents tooth loss. Recent research reported that women and men who had more than one cup of green tea a day were more likely to hold onto their teeth than those who didn’t consume enough green tea.

Fresher Breath

Green tea has time and time been associated with fresher breath because it kills microbes that promote bad breath in the mouth. A recent study measured the level of smelly compounds in the mouths of patients after they were given green-tea extract to consume. At the same time, another substance was given that prevented bad breath.

The research findings suggested that green tea was far better in preventing bad breaths than the other substance including parsley seed oil and chewing gum.

Don’t Like Green Tea?

Green tea is great for your health but there are many individuals who do not like drinking green tea. If you are one of them and still want to reap the benefits of green tea for your oral health, then we suggest using oral care products that are rich with green tea extracts.

There are many kinds of toothpaste, mouthwash, and other oral products containing green tea. You can even find chewing gum with green-tea extracts. Make good use of these products if you are not a fan of the tea itself. 

Green tea is great for your oral health but it doesn’t mean you should stop visiting your dentist. The American Dental Association recommends visiting the dentist for regular dental exams and cleanings on a bi-yearly basis. So make sure you visit your dentist every six months to get a good picture of how your oral-health is functioning.

Vitarelli Dental in Saddle River is accepting new dental patients all year round. Check our website for appointment details. 

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