Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) contain a group of flavonoids called polyphenols which have
an antibacterial effect against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus colonies
that form in human saliva. The prominent flavonoids in green tea are catechins, which
together with other important ingredients in Green Tea, tannins, act to inhibit enzymes that
cause caries in teeth by stopping the oral Streptococci attaching themselves to the surfaces
of the teeth.
Another beneficial use for Green Tea when taken as a tisane is the control of halitosis (bad
breath) caused by volatile Sulphur compounds, and when Green Tea extract is used in a
mouthwash, also prevents the growth of the bacteria, Solobacterium moorei, also
considered to cause halitosis.
Green tea, when used as a mouthwash, is also known to protect the colour and duration of
crowns and white fillings.
The holistic benefits of “daily consumption of green tea has been associated with a lower
risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and inflammatory bowel
disease (IBD). EGCG compound in green tea is effective in weight loss by increasing
metabolism. It has also other health effects on skin, joints and livers.”
It is recommended for the patient to drink infusions of Green Tea regularly, and to use it as
a mouthwash and gargle in the morning and evening before bed. For those that might have
concerns with bad breath, a few drops of Green Tea Oil added to a glass of lukewarm water
should be drunk morning and evening.
References
Khamverdi, Zahra. (2019). The Beneficial Effects of Green Tea in Oral Health and Dentistry.
Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research. 19. 10.26717/BJSTR.2019.19.003333.
Vyas, Tarun & Nagi, Ravleen & Bhatia, Archana & Bains, Sandeep. (2021). Therapeutic
effects of green tea as an antioxidant on oral health- A review. Journal of Family Medicine
and Primary Care. 10. 3998. 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_943_21.
