A comforting cup of tea brings a smile to most people’s faces. Now, according to scientists, it might make that smile just a little bit healthier. Researchers have claimed that drinking at least three cups of tea a day can help keep your teeth in good condition and reduce the risk of decay.
Black tea, helps to prevent bad breath and facilitates the wellbeing of your teeth and gums. The polyphenols, caffeine and tannins that naturally occur in black tea work together to:
A) get rid of bacteria in your mouth
B) inhibit a naturally occurring enzymes that contributes to bad breath
C) raise the acid resistance of tooth enamel & in so doing reduce the risk of tooth decay.
Relax and kill bacteria with black tea
As you sip your cup of tea, the brew is actually getting rid of oral bacteria in your mouth. Polyphenols, one of the key components of black tea, have been found to inhibit growth of oral bacteria. New research presented by Christine Wu and Min Zhu of the University of Illinois states that catechins and theaflavins -polyphenols present in tea leaves- inhibit the growth of oral bacteria. Research found that these two tea components also help to eliminate bad breath, by inhibiting the function of an enzyme catalyses the production of hydrogen sulphide, a key contributor to bad breath.
Eliminate mouth infections
Black tea also wards off mouth infections such as strep throat and dental cavities. Polyphenols in combination with green tea extracts inhibit bacterial growth and are often used in toothpaste and mouthwash as anti-microbial agents. Also, tannins present in black tea inhibit the growth of plaque-causing bacteria and inhibit the action of salivary amylase thus contributing to cavity prevention.
Components of tea such as tannins, caffeine, tocopherol and catechin are known to raise the acid resistance of tooth enamel. Studies have thus concluded that black tea does help to reduce cavities.
Drink black tea to avoid oral cancer
Black tea also has a role to play in prevention of oral cancer. A study funded by the National Tea Research Foundation of India found that the polyphenols in black tea may reverse cancer-causing changes to the DNA of cells lining the mouth.