How Tea Can Make Your Mouth Healthy
Throughout history, teas have been used to aid in the relief of ailments and as a medicinal treatment. Recently, though, research has shown that certain teas may also help your teeth and gums.
The Findings
There are two different types of tea that can make your mouth healthy.
Researchers at the Vivekanada Institute of Medical Sciences in Kolkata, India have found that drinking black tea may prevent oral cancer due to chemicals called polyphenols that reverse cancer-causing changes to the DNA of cells in the mouth. Some scientists also believe that compounds in black tea may attack harmful bacteria in the mouth, helping to prevent cavities, bad breath, and gum disease.
Research has found that this is true of green teas, as well. The antioxidants in the green tea fight off oral plaque and bacteria (Horiba N et al 1991; Otake S et al 1991; Rasheed A et al 1998). Other research has found that green tea prevents the breaking down and decay of teeth and their bone support. Dead bacteria also mean fresher breath.
What You Should Do
To get these healthy mouth benefits you simply need to drink tea. It is suggested that you drink 2 to 5 cups of tea a day to get the full benefits.
Other Sources:
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0NAH/is_9_32/ai_94639442
http://www.lef.org/protocols/dental/gingivitis_01.htm
http://worldental.org/nutrition/is-tea-a-good-drink-for-teeth/
http://www.scidev.net/en/news/drinking-black-tea-reduces-risk-of-mouth-cancer.html
http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0300571200000543
