Are You a Tea Drinker? Your Dentist Will Thank You
Dr. Gary Vance
| 2 min read
The health benefits of an afternoon cup of tea have been well-documented. For example, a simple mug of green tea can improve heart health, boost your immune system and protect your body against cancer thanks to its high levels of antioxidants. But what you may not realize is that drinking tea can also benefit your teeth and gums. Here are just a few ways steeping some tea for a warm drink can improve your next dental visit:
- Reduces gum inflammation: Researchers have found that people who regularly drink green and black tea have healthier gums than those who don’t. They believe that the anti-inflammatory effects of the tea improve the harmful bacteria levels in the mouth.
- Strengthens teeth: Studies have shown that people who drink green tea are less likely to lose teeth as they age than those who don’t. They key here is drinking it without adding any sugar, since sugar can lead to tooth decay.
- Fights plaque build-up: Black tea affects a bacterial enzyme in your mouth that helps plaque stick around. Drink more of it and the plaque won’t be able to attach itself to your teeth.
- Disrupts oral cancer cells: A report by the Academy of General Dentistry showed that the antioxidants in green tea can stop the growth of oral cancer cells and even kill them. It’s still too early for this to be considered an effective stand-alone cancer treatment, but it shows the far-reaching impact tea can have on your dental health.
- Freshens breath: Research shows that drinking green tea can also help reduce bad breath. The polyphenols in the green tea modify the bad-smelling sulfur components in your mouth.
Photo credit: Migle
