5 ways green tea is good for your oral health
Bạn đang xem bản rút gọn của tài liệu. Xem và tải ngay bản đầy đủ của tài liệu tại đây (421.37 KB, 3 trang )
5 ways green tea is good for your oral
health
Could this popular hot drink actually be good for your mouth? Here are five ways green tea may
benefit your oral health
BEST HEALTH
content continues below ad
Source: Web exclusive, November 2011
Green tea may well be a treat for your taste buds. But new research is suggesting that it
benefits the rest of your oral cavity as well. Green tea contains compounds that
appear to control inflammation and fight bacterial infection. This drink is also rich
in antioxidants, which have many health properties.
What does that mean for your mouth? Here are five reasons why green tea may be
good for your oral health.
1. Cavity prevention
Because green tea controls bacteria and lowers the acidity of saliva and dental plaque,
it may be a useful tool in preventing cavities. A recent Egypt-based study tested people
before and after they gave their mouths a five-minute rinse with green tea. The test
subjects had less bacteria and acid in their mouths, as well as reduced gum bleeding.
Other research has found that drinking green tea shows promise when it comes to
preventing tooth decay.
2. Gum health
Green tea’s anti-inflammatory powers seem to help control periodontal (gum) disease. A
Japanese survey of almost 1,000 men found that those who drank green tea
regularly had healthier gums than those who didn’t. A German study found similar
positive results in people who were asked to chew candies containing green-tea
extracts.
3. Less tooth loss
It makes sense that a substance that helps prevent cavities and gum disease will help
you keep your teeth. But in case you need proof, here it is: Japanese research
published in 2010 reported that men and women who drink one or more cups of green
tea a day were more likely to hold on to their natural teeth.
4. Cancer control
The antioxidants and other properties of green tea appear to protect against cellular
damage and cancerous tumour growth. In one study at the University of Texas, greentea extract was given to patients with precancerous lesions in their mouths, and it
slowed the progression to oral cancer. Animal studies have also found that tea
compounds can inhibit cancer growth.
5. Better breath
Green tea has been associated with better-smelling breath. Why? Likely because it kills
the microbes that make our mouths stinky. The University of British
Columbia’s Faculty of Dentistrymeasured the level of smelly compounds in people’s
mouths after they were given green-tea powder or another substance that supposedly
helps with bad breath. Green tea outperformed mints, chewing gum and even
parsley-seed oil in this study.
Tips for drinking green tea
Want your daily diet to include more greens ‘ green tea, that is? It’s likely safe to
consume up to five cups a day of the stuff. But to get the maximum health and flavour
benefits, make sure you prep your tea properly. Prepare a ceramic teapot by warming
it with hot water. For the tea, use fresh, cold water, filtered or from a spring, if possible,
instead of the tap. After bringing the water to a boil, let it cool for three minutes. Then
pour it over tea leaves or a teabag and let it steep, covered, for three more minutes.
Think your teeth are set because you’re already drinking black tea? Keep in mind that
since black tea is more processed, it contains less antioxidants and beneficial plant
chemical compounds than green tea. Black tea is also two to three times higher in
caffeine, so it’s more likely to cause side effects such as nervousness and sleep
disturbances. Caffeine can also interfere with some medications ‘ ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
If you’re not a tea drinker, try oral care products that contain green tea, such as
toothpaste and mouthwash (look for these at natural health stores). You can even chew
gum or suck on candies made with green tea (as long as they’re sugarless!). But if you
do enjoy tea, it makes sense to reach for green the next time you’re turning on the
kettle.
