WASHINGTON – You’ve probably heard of washing your mouth with soap, but a new study has an idea that researchers think will be even more helpful—washing your mouth with green tea! A group with the American Society for Microbiology says that using matcha as a dental hygiene product it can actually protect against bacterial growth and gum disease.
If you’re a fan of matcha, the vibrant green tea powder that’s a staple in many Japanese ceremonies and increasingly popular worldwide in lattes and desserts, you may already know about its antioxidant properties. Now, new research from Japan suggests that matcha could play a key role in fighting periodontitis, a serious form of gum disease that, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss and has been linked to other serious health problems such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Periodontitis is mainly caused by bacterial infections, mainly by a bacterium called Porphyromonas gingivalis, which thrives in the gums of the affected. This bacterium creates biofilms – essentially slimy layers of bacterial colonies – on the teeth, hidden in known periodontal pockets, making them particularly difficult to treat.
However, the latest study in Microbiological Spectrum, an open access journal from the American Society for Microbiology, highlights matcha’s effectiveness in fighting this bacterium that causes gum disease. Researchers in Japan conducted both laboratory and clinical experiments with periodontitis sufferers and found promising results. According to their findings, matcha not only inhibited its growth P. gingivalis in laboratory settings, but also significantly reduced its levels in the saliva of subjects using matcha-based mouthwash.
The study involved 45 participants diagnosed with chronic periodontitis. They were divided into three groups, each using a different type of mouthwash: one with barley tea, one with matcha, and one with sodium azulenesulfonate hydrate, which is commonly used to treat inflammation. After regular use, the matcha mouthwash group experienced a significant reduction in P. gingivalis levels, an effect not seen in the other two groups.
“Matcha may have clinical application for the prevention and treatment of periodontitis,” according to the researchers in a media release, suggesting a new, natural avenue for managing this widespread health issue.
Why matcha? This isn’t just about any green tea. Matcha comes from the same Camellia sinensis plant but is grown and processed differently, resulting in a fine powder that contains the nutrients from the whole leaf. This method potentially concentrates its healthful properties, including its antimicrobial effects. Previous studies have shown that extracts from green tea can not only limit the growth of harmful bacteria such as E. coli but also fight P. gingivalis specifically by reducing its ability to attach to oral cells.
Matcha’s appeal doesn’t stop at its health benefits. It is also part of a long tradition in Japan, used in tea ceremonies that focus on mindfulness and hospitality. Its unique taste has also made it a favorite ingredient in various beverages and sweets, adding to its appeal as a versatile and beneficial element of the daily health routine.
This new research aligns with earlier observations linking green tea consumption to overall better health and offers a hopeful message for those struggling with periodontal disease. With regular use, matcha mouthwash could potentially be a simple yet effective tool in the fight against gingivitis, adding yet another reason to enjoy this ancient beverage turned modern superfood.
For those dealing with periodontitis or simply looking for preventative measures to maintain oral health, incorporating matcha could be a wise addition to daily oral hygiene practices, promising not only a moment of zen but a smile that’s both healthy and bright.
