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The 7th time is about "How to prevent tooth decay by green tea".

That the "health benefits of green tea", has written a special edition. The 7th time is about "How to prevent tooth decay by green tea".

1. Prevention of cancer
2. Immune power up
3. Lose weight
4. Decrease in cholesterol level
5. Improve memory and learning ability
6. Prevention and bactericidal action of food poisoning
7. Caries prevention
8. Prevention of halitosis
9. The effect of preventing drowsiness
10. Suppress the possibility of functional disorder
11. Adult disease prevention
12. Help the gastrointestinal work
13. Prevention of arteriosclerosis and stroke, prevention of blood
14. High blood pressure (hypertension)
15. Suppression of atopic and pollinosis
16. Anti-influenza action
17. Effect on AIDS
18. Hangover prevention
19. Anti-aging
20. Stress relief

The relationship between green tea and health is drawing attention and new research results are reported one after another. In addition, we may add efficacy. We would like to deeply describe each relationship.

Tooth decay

Tooth decay, also known as dental caries or cavities, is a breakdown of teeth due to acids made by bacteria(Streptococcus mutans).

Causes

The cause of cavities is acid from bacteria(Streptococcus mutans) dissolving the hard tissues of the teeth (enamel, dentin and cementum). Simple sugars in food are these bacteria's primary energy source and thus a diet high in simple sugar is a risk factor.

 

Oral care

Brushing the teeth twice per day and flossing between the teeth once a day is recommended by many. in addition, There is an increasing interest on the health benefits of green tea in the field of oral health.

 

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)

The origin of the antimicrobial component of green tea, it is Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). There is an increasing interest on the health benefits of green tea in the field of oral health. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) has a function of suppressing the multiplication of this bacteria(Streptococcus mutans), so it is possible to prevent tooth decay by drinking tea on a daily basis. Recent studies has emphasized that in addition to the microbial activity, the host immuno-inflammatory reactions destroy the oral tissues to a greater extent. In such cases green tea is considered to be a natural preventive and curative agent. It is also renowned that catechin (EGCG) not only suppresses the growth of bacteria (Streptococcus mutans) but also has the function of suppressing the formation of plaque (dental plaque). Numerous studies have shown the beneficial effects on the regular intake of green tea in maintaining oral health.  

 

Fluoride

It is renowned that fluorine is contained in tea leaves. Fluorine has the effect of promoting the deposition on the enamel surface and making the tooth surface strong.

The effects of green tea extract on caries inhibition of hamsters and on acid resistance of human tooth enamel have been investigated. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that original extract of green tea had the significant effects on these points. The dialyzed tea solution in which the fluoride was removed almost completely, also showed the remarkable effects both in vivo and in vitro experiment as is similar to the original tea extract. The results obtained from this study suggested that fluoride in green tea may play a role to increase the cariostatic action in cooperation with other components in tea. However, the action of fluoride does not seem to be so important, because its concentration is very low. The effect of green tea on caries inhibition as well as on the increment of acid resistance appears to be more correlative with the non-dialysable substances in tea. Yu H, Oho T, Tagomori S, Morioka T. Anticariogenic effects of green tea. Fukuoka Igaku Zasshi. 1992;83:174–80.

 

Nature’s gift

Green tea may boost dental health. Consider swapping out your daily coffee for a cup of green tea. The brewed drink may improve your oral health. But before you load up on green tea, don’t forget to skip the sweeteners. Sugar and honey still promote cavities, even when you drink them with green tea.