Go Green and Red for Oral Health?

We know that brushing and flossing is one of the best ways to prevent and reduce gum disease, but a recent study published in the Journal of Periodontology suggests that routine consumption of green tea --an ancient beverage dating back some 4,000 years-- may assist in achieving healthy teeth and gums as well.

According to study author Dr. Yoshihiro Shimazaki of Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan, as revealed in a press release, “It has been long speculated that green tea possesses a host of health benefits.” The reason for the study? "[S]ince many of us enjoy green tea on a regular basis, my colleagues and I were eager to investigate the impact of green tea consumption on periodontal health, especially considering the escalating emphasis on the connection between periodontal health and overall health.”

During the clinical study the oral condition of 940 male participants aged 49 to 59 was examined. Based on factors that are used to determine the condition of the gum tissue, such as periodontal pocket depth, bleeding on probing, and clinical attachment loss of gum tissue, the researchers found that participants had superior periodontal health after regularly consumed green tea, specifically every one cup of green tea consumed per day showed a decrease in all three indicators, compared to subjects that consumed less green tea per day.

In a similar study conducted by researchers from Ohio State University, the benefits of pomegranate extract when mixed with water and used as a mouth rinse three time a day was examined and displayed similar benefits to periodontal health as that of green tea.

I don't suggest you go out and consume green tea or pomegranate extract in place of regular dental care from your dentist and dental hygienist, and as I mentioned, brushing and flossing twice a day is ultimately regarded as the best at-home method for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. These findings, however do show promise for alternative methods for treating gum disease, and possibly as a way to assist in the prevention of this oral disease.