We all know that green tea has been hailed for its health benefits. This tea has been enjoyed as a drink for thousands of years globally, particularly in Asian countries. It is prepared from the buds and leaves of the tea plant known as the Camellia sinensis plant.
You can find dozens of different types of green tea in the market with different processes and preparation methods as well as different flavor profiles.
Whatever type of green tea you choose to enjoy and purchase, you can sip it, knowing it is one of the world’s healthiest beverages. You might be aware that the drink has great health benefits from head to toe. Additionally, make sure you drink unsweetened tea. Probably because added sugar might offset all its health benefits, including its natural, delicious flavor.
So what does it mean for your oral cavity? Here are several reasons why green tea may be suitable for your oral health.
Green Tea and Tooth Cavity Protection
The antioxidant-rich green tea is known for its potent bacteria-killing properties. Therefore, drinking it can lower the acidity of your saliva, resulting in less dental plaque build-up. Multiple studies and research have confirmed that regularly drinking this unsweetened tea can help protect against cavities and also reduce the chances of tooth decay to a large extent.
There are several additional benefits of green tea. It is probably because of the polyphenols found in this tea. Tooth cavities are formed when harmful oral bacteria start to grow around your teeth. These bacteria produce acids that slowly demineralize or soften the tooth structures.
When the area of these soft tooth structures increases eventually, it often forms a void that you know as a tooth cavity. It can enlarge to such an extent that your tooth can collapse or the nerve gets exposed. Ultimately, it causes tooth pain when you need dental treatment.
The polyphenols in green tea may cause an antimicrobial effect against your mouth germs, thus reducing the harmful bacteria-causing cavities to grow in large quantities.
Therefore the drink is considered a treat for your taste buds. But new research suggests that the beverage can benefit your other body parts, including your oral cavity. In addition, green tea contains substances that may control inflammation and fight the bacterial infection. This drink is also high in antioxidants, which have many health properties.
Green Tea and Gum Health
Green tea is high in flavonoids and thus has anti-inflammatory benefits. If you drink this tea, this tea can help reduce gingivitis, a commonly occurring gum infection. Gingivitis occurs when there is inflammation in the gums, which is the earliest stage of gum disease. Green tea may also help reduce other inflammation-based issues, including arthritis, acne, dandruff, and skin diseases like psoriasis.
A recent study found that this tea has several antioxidants that help to reduce the diseases that attack your teeth and even the tooth-supporting structures. The study also analyzed that gum health is common in most men. The study established that individuals regularly consuming green tea have better gum health than those who do not drink the beverage.
The antioxidant catechin, commonly found in this tea, may be responsible for its various health-giving benefits. Prior studies confirm – antioxidants are very effective in reducing inflammation in your body. The harm-causing bacteria in your gums often cause periodontal disease.
Periodontitis is the stage when the inflammation in the gum and bone surrounding your teeth. When this antioxidant interferes with this inflammation, they help your body preserve the bone that would otherwise be lost. The condition could also result in missing teeth.
If periodontitis progresses, it could lead to a chronic inflammatory disease that might severely affect your gums and bone surrounding your tooth. These surrounding gums and bones enable your teeth to function in eating and speaking. Note that gum disease is directly linked to heart disease and diabetes.
Other Green Tea Oral Health Benefits
1 Better Breath
Most of the oral bacteria are responsible for causing bad breath. The antibacterial properties of green tea can help kill microbes that make your mouths stinky.
According to a recent study, researchers measured the level of smelly compounds in a person’s mouth after they had the tea powder or other bad-breath reducing compounds. The study concluded that the tea outperformed bad-breath reducing substances such as chewing gum, mint, and parsley seed oil.
2 Reduce Risk of Cancers
Oxidative stress and damage could highly contribute to the development of cancer. Studies have confirmed that regular drinkers of this tea are less likely to develop various types of cancer, such as oral cancer and tongue cancer. It is all because this tea is an excellent source of antioxidants.
In one of the recent studies, the green tea extract was given to patients having precancerous lesions in their mouths. It was observed that the tea helped slow down the oral cancer progression.
Tea can also help lower your risk of other serious health issues and diseases, including stroke and type 2 diabetes. Note that most chronic diseases have been closely linked to regular tea consumption.
3 Less tooth loss
This tea can also help you keep your teeth. According to a 2010 Japanese research, it was observed that individuals who drink a few cups of green tea a day were more likely to hold on to their natural teeth in the long run.
More Health Benefits of Drinking Green Tea
1 Supports Brain Function and Health
Both amino acid L-theanine and caffeine present in green tea helps improve brain function and health. Surprisingly, the tea does not contain as much caffeine as coffee.
However, green tea has enough caffeine that can produce a response. But the caffeine amount is not sufficient to create a distracting jittery effect, which means it could help you stay alert and focused.
2 Heart Healthy
Green tea contains significant amounts of polyphenols and flavonoids. These powerful antioxidants can protect your heart by reducing “bad” (LDL) and even total cholesterol levels.
These antioxidants can also help control blood fats and blood pressure. Additionally, drinking green tea can reduce your risk of blood clots too. The tea can also lower rates of arterial blockage and thus improve blood vessel function. Make your cup of tea today.
3 Helps Promote Weight Loss
This tea might also boost the metabolic rate in the short term. Therefore it helps you with your weight loss plan. Several studies indicate that drinking several cups of unsweetened version daily, might increase weight loss. It is beneficial as it reduces your belly fat. Does that sound interesting? Yes, it is a simple tip to reduce your stubborn belly fat without much exercise and treatment.
Drinking Green Tea – Few Tips
Are you seriously thinking of including more greens in your daily diet – meaning green tea? The tea is very safe to use regularly without any side effects. You can safely consume up to five cups a day without any side effects. But to enjoy the maximum flavor and health benefits, you should prepare your cup of tea correctly.
Start by preparing a ceramic teapot and warm it with hot water. You should use fresh, cold, and filtered water for preparing the tea. Else you can try using water from a spring, if possible, instead of the regular tap. Once your water starts to boil, let it cool for a few minutes. Next, pour the hot water over the tea leaves or tea bag and let it steep, covered, for three to four more minutes. The process helps bring out the flavor.
You may be used to drinking black tea, commonly available in the market. But this black tea is more processed. It means the tea contains fewer antioxidants and beneficial plant chemical compounds compared to green tea.
Additionally, black tea you use daily is twice or thrice higher in caffeine content. Hence black tea is more likely to cause side effects like nervousness and sleep disturbances. If you have a high caffeine intake, it could interfere with some medications. Hence it is best to ask your dentist or doctor if you are on any medication.
Remember that these tips may not sound exciting or valuable if you are not a tea drinker. There are other solutions as well. You can try some of the oral care products containing green tea. These could include toothpaste and mouthwashes that have this natural product. Not to worry, you may also try to chew gum or suck on candies prepared with green tea, as long as these are sugarless.
The Bottom line
As with all healthy drinks and food choices, drinking unsweetened tea alone is not a miracle solution or cure. Remember to include it with a good oral health care routine. In fact, green tea is one of the healthiest beverages today as it is packed with potent antioxidants.
A healthy weight-loss program is a perfect and simple way to stay in shape. And after you have known all the health benefits, you should indeed include it in your daily diet. Even if you enjoy black tea, you should still reach for this natural green product. Only think about your health and its benefits.
Did you know that green tea was widely consumed and prized by emperors, scholars, and even Buddhist priests? But today, because of its easy availability, it can be enjoyed by any ordinary man. Primarily because of its delicious flavor and all-around health benefits.
