Black Tea Aids Oral Health

According to the latest research, black tea is beneficial for overall oral health. Black tea, the most common among the three types of teas -black, green, and red - help to prevent bad breath and facilitates the well being of your teeth and gums.

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 the oral bacteria. The bacteria killing action takes place over a 48 - hour incubation period.

Research further reports that the two tea compounds also help to eliminate bad breath. The compounds inhibit the proper functioning of an enzyme that acts as a catalyst in the production of hydrogen sulphide, which contributes to bad breath. These research findings were presented at the 103rd General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology in Washington, D.C.

Black tea also comes in handy to ward off mouth infections such as strep throat and dental cavities. Researchers have found that polyphenols in combination with green tea extracts inhibit bacterial growth. These compounds when added to toothpaste or mouthwash increase their efficacy many times in combating microbial agents. Random surveys have reported that black tea reduces the incidence of dental cavities. Tea is a natural source of fluoride, therefore helping to promote healthy tooth enamel. Also, tannins present in black tea inhibit the growth of plaque-causing bacteria apart from inhibiting the action of salivary amylase, thus making their contribution in cavity prevention. Studies have thus concluded that black tea may safely be recommended as a substitute for more acidic beverages, which contribute to dental erosion.

Black tea also has a role to play in prevention of oral cancer. People with a precancerous condition termed oral leukoplakia can cut down on the risk of oral cancer by drinking black tea. A study funded by the National Tea Research Foundation of India, has revealed that the polyphenols in black tea reverse cancer-causing changes to the DNA of cells lining the mouth. Oral leukoplakia is characterized by white patches or plaque in the mouth that are tough to do away with.

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