It is a known fact that oral hygiene is an essential practice everyone must follow to ensure healthy teeth and gums. You might have heard the importance of brushing, flossing, gargling, etc, but do you know how green tea can help promote the health of your teeth and gums? Yes, green tea is not only beneficial in losing weight, improving brain health, etc, but it is also helpful in keeping your teeth and gums healthy. It helps to reduce inflammation and fights the bacteria that may cause cavities. Read this article to learn what our expert Dr Nihal Yadav, BDS (PGI Rohtak), Amayra Dental Clinic, Kaushik Enclave, Burari, Delhi, a former resident at Deen Dayal Hospital, Hari Nagar, has to say about the benefits and side effects of drinking green tea for teeth and gums.
Benefits Of Green Tea For Teeth And Gums
Drinking green tea can be beneficial for your teeth and gums in many ways. Some of them are as follows:
Improves Gum Health
The flavonoids which have anti-inflammatory properties present in green tea can help in improving the health of your gums . Drinking green tea daily can also help to reduce gingivitis which is caused due to the inflammation of the gums. In addition, it is also beneficial for people who experience bleeding in their gums. You might have noticed that green tea bags are given to patients to soothe their gums after tooth extraction.
Also Read: Why Is Ice Cream Helpful Post Tooth Extraction, Expert Explains
Cavities
Drinking tea can help prevent cavities in your teeth as it combats the growth of the bacteria that causes cavities. This is because the polyphenols present in green tea have an antimicrobial effect that can help to fight against the germs in your mouth. Moreover, the antioxidants in green tea lower the acidity of your saliva and dental plaque, which helps to neutralise the acid levels in your mouth, which may form cavities.
Bad Breath
You can relieve bad breath in your mouth with the help of green tea due to its antibacterial properties. It fights the microbes that cause your mouth to stink.
Reduces The Risk Of Cancer
The chances of developing oral cancer, like oral carcinoma and various other cancers, reduce when you drink tea daily. It also stops the production of angiogenic compounds in the tumour cells.
Also Read: Biting Your Nails? Know How It Can Affect Your Teeth And Gums
Side Effects Of Green Tea
It can impact your tooth enamel and lead to staining or tooth discolouration. Therefore, it is advisable to wash your mouth after drinking tea or try drinking it with a straw to reduce the effects.
It can lead to tooth decay if you add natural sweeteners like honey. It is better to opt for green tea with no added flavours to reap maximum benefits.
Takeaway
Green tea has many proven benefits for promoting the health of your gums and teeth. Other benefits of green tea include preventing type 2 diabetes, preventing cardiovascular diseases, lowering the chances of stroke, improving memory, etc. However, one should keep in mind the teeth staining that may occur due to excess drinking of green tea. If you suffer from dental health issues or oral disease, you should visit your doctor to seek the necessary measures.
