Tea is one of the most commonly consumed beverages in the world, and lately, green tea is becoming increasingly popular. The most desired reason being its wonders in weight loss, brain function, and heart diseases. But it is surprising to know that it is as beneficial for oral health too. The components in the green tea have a wide range of benefits for oral health, let us know how:
What is Green tea?
Green tea first originated in China and is made from Camellia sinensis leaves and buds.
How is it different from the Black/regular tea?
Black tea is also made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis but the difference is Green tea is not oxidized as the Black tea, hence it is not as strong as the latter.
What are the components of Green tea?
Green tea has a number of components beneficial for the human body. Below are the ones responsible for oral health:
Polyphenols or PPs: compounds found in all plants. PPs exert preventive activity against infectious and degenerative diseases. PPs may also help prevent oral diseases, via mechanisms like antioxidant activity and neutralization of bacterial enzymes.
Catechins or GTCs: it is a type of polyphenol or a disease-fighting flavonoid and an antioxidant. It is especially found in Camellia sinensis plants. Among a couple of catechins in green tea, the most abundant catechin found is epigallocatechin-3-gallate.
How does it help in Oral problems?
The antimicrobial effects of green tea catechins (GTCs) on microorganisms have been studied for many years. Green tea has been shown to fight these organisms in various ways, directly and indirectly. Green tea catechins have also been shown to be effective against a number of viruses, parasites, and fungi. The main effect of GTCs on various parasite infections is because of its ability to bind to bacterial cell membranes. This binding interferes in the bacterial process and thus leads to rupture of cell membrane or lysis. Once the green tea binding is done the bacteria loses its ability to bind with host cells thus leading to a decrease in parasite numbers and growth which in turn prevent the tooth decay and gum diseases.
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