Wednesday, 8 May 2013

Healthy Choice: Green Tea

Green tea contains compounds that appear to control inflammation and fight bacterial infection - making it fantastic for combating several oral health issues. It’s also rich in antioxidants, which have many other health properties aside from toothy problems.

So what does this mean for your oral? Here are five reasons why drinking green tea could help keep your mouth healthy.

1.Cavity prevention
Research has found that drinking green tea shows it can be helpful at preventing tooth decay. Green tea controls bacteria and lowers the acidity of saliva and dental plaque, because of this is may be a useful tool in preventing cavities. A recent study tested people before and after they gave their mouths a five-minute rinse with green tea and discovered the subjects had less bacteria and acid in their mouths as well as reduced bleeding of the gums.

2.Gum health
Green tea acts as an anti-inflammatory, which can help control periodontal (gum) disease. Several research studies have found that subjects who drank green tea regularly had healthier gums than those who didn’t.

3.Less tooth loss
Drinking a cup of green tea a day could help prevent tooth loss. A research study published in 2010 reported that people who drink one or more cups of green tea a day are more likely to hold on to their natural teeth.

4.Cancer control
The antioxidants and other properties found in green tea appear to protect against cellular damage and cancerous tumour growths. A study where green tea extract was given to patients with precancerous lesions in their mouths found green tea slowed the progression to oral cancer. Other studies have also found tea compounds can inhibit cancer growths.

5.Better breath
Green tea kills the microbes that make our mouths smell bad. Reports have consistently proven green tea outperforms mints, chewing gum, and even parsley-seed oil when dealing with bad breath.

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