Return to T Ching Classics: Teeth and Oral Health

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, up to 91% of Americans over the age of 20 have had cavities at some point during their lives. It is further reported that 27% of these individuals have untreated cavities. Too many individuals in the USA are not enjoying the best possible oral health they should despite all the advances in the ability to prevent, detect and treat dental diseases. Greater care has to be taken with regards to oral hygiene which includes being mindful of what we put in our mouths. While some food and drinks are bad for your teeth, there are in actual fact ones, such as green tea, that promote dental health.

Green tea may be known as a treat for your taste buds and as a powerful weight-loss aid. Research suggests that green tea can significantly benefit your dental health as well. It is rich in antioxidants and contains compounds that may control inflammation and fight bacterial infection in the mouth. There are numerous reasons why green tea could be very beneficial to your dental health.

Cavity prevention and gum health

Green tea controls bacterial growth and lowers the acidity of saliva and plaque, preventing cavities in the process. The anti-inflammatory properties of the tea help to control periodontal disease. Global studies revealed that people who consume green tea on a regular basis had healthier gums than those who didn’t. The cost of dental care can be staggering, even if you have dental medical cover in place, reiterating why prevention is always better than cure.

Reduced loss of teeth and cancer control

It makes sense that something that prevents cavities and gum disease will also contribute towards preventing your teeth from falling out. Research conducted in Japan in 2010 revealed that men and women who consume at least one cup of green tea a day were more likely to hold onto their natural teeth for the extent of their lives. The antioxidants in green tea appear to protect the body against cellular damage and malignant tumour growth.  Another amazing finding pertaining to green tea is its ability to slow down precancerous lesions in the mouth’s progression to cancer.

Better breath

Due to its capacity to kill the bad-breath-causing microbes in our mouths, green tea is often associated with a better-smelling mouth and is even incorporated into some toothpastes for that very reason. Green tea is known to be a more effective breath freshener than even mints, organic parsley seed oil, and chewing gum.

While it is safe to consume up to 5 cups of green tea a day you need to make sure you prep your brewed beverage right in order to gain the full benefits. After bringing your water to boil let it cool for 3 minutes before pouring it over the tea bag or leaves and allow it to steep for a further 3 minutes before drinking it. Your teeth and general health will thank you for making the effort.

Photo “long black-haired woman smiling” is under an irrevocable, nonexclusive, worldwide copyright license to the photographer Lesly Juarez and is being posted unaltered (source)