What’s you’re beverage of choice? You probably know that soda and even juice can bathe your teeth in acid and sugar. Water will always be a dentist’s first recommendation for thirst quenching. However, experts say there’s another beverage – green tea – which boosts the overall health of your entire body. People from China and Japan have enjoyed both the taste and long-term health benefits of green tea for many years. Recent university-based research studies have demonstrated green tea’s ability to lower your risk for developing heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Evanston cosmetic dentist, Dr. Brent Engelberg would like to share the connection between green tea and dental health. However, beware of the cosmetic staining effects of any dark beverages.
Studies Link Green Tea to Dental Health
Several studies have been conducted and come to a similar conclusion that regularly drinking 1-2 cups of green tea every day promotes better health in several areas of the mouth. A study from Tohoku University in Japan indicated that green tea has an antimicrobial effect on the bacteria which causes tooth decay. Findings from the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology in Israel demonstrate that green tea also counteracts volatile sulfur compounds, one of the primary causes of bad breath. Researchers at Kyushu University in Japan found that the catechins in green tea have an anti-inflammatory effect on the gums and significantly reduce the depth of periodontal pockets, minimize gum bleeding in the presence of gingivitis, and slow the loss of connective tissues.
Concerns about Tooth Stains from Green Tea
It’s true that green tea can leave stains on the surfaces of your teeth. However, before you decide to skip the green tea, consider that other popular hot beverages, such as coffee and black tea, have far worse staining effects, without the marked potential for health benefits. Proper brushing with mildly abrasive toothpaste will counteract most of green tea stains. A professionally administered teeth whitening treatment from Dr. Engelberg is another option to effectively remove green tea and other stains from your teeth, if all else fails. You may even consider enjoying your green tea iced and sip it through a straw. By following these tips, you can enjoy this beneficial drink and still have a gorgeous, bright smile.
Teeth Whitening from Evanston Cosmetic Dentist
If you are interested in teeth whitening, schedule an appointment with your Evanston cosmetic dentist, by calling our 60201 dentist office at 847-259-8030. We are happy to serve patients in Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park, Wilmette, Winnetka, Glencoe, Vernon Hills, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, Skokie, Evanston, Palatine, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, Northwest Chicago Suburbs, and Northern Chicago Suburbs.
