When you choose your go-to summer refreshment, you may tend towards sodas, punches, or alcoholic beverages. Many of these choices are full of sugar and acid, and not the best for your teeth. Plain, unsweetened iced tea and water are two of the best choices to keep your palate refreshed and your teeth free of decay and disease. But if you want to…
When you choose your go-to summer refreshment, you may tend towards sodas, punches, or alcoholic beverages. Many of these choices are full of sugar and acid, and not the best for your teeth. Plain, unsweetened iced tea and water are two of the best choices to keep your palate refreshed and your teeth free of decay and disease. But if you want to go the extra mile this summer, brew up some iced green tea. Knoxville dentist, Dr. Jim Erpenbach, will explain how green tea might even help fight periodontal disease.
Japanese Study on Green Tea
Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan was the site of a fascinating research study that looked at men in middle age, green tea consumption, and effects on their dental health. Dr. Yoshihiro Shimazaki was the head of a research team responsible for examining 940 participants for gum disease at all stages. The study volunteers ranged in age between 49 and 59. They were instructed to fill out questionnaires so that the scientists were aware of drinking and tobacco usage habits. They also asked questions regarding oral hygiene as well as green tea intake. Incidences of periodontal disease were significantly lower in those men who consumed green tea on a regular basis.
A Wealth of Health from One Little Leaf
The scientists surmised that the power of green tea when it comes to oral health has to do with polyphenols. These compounds inhibit the growth of the bacteria that cause gum disease. According to Dr. Shimazaki, green tea can be thought of as a viable supplement to proper oral hygiene. In addition to dental health benefits, green tea also contains something called catechins. Packed with vitamins C and E, catechins can fight cellular damage. Cancer, heart disease, high cholesterol, and hypertension are other health conditions that medical professionals believe green tea may be able to stall or halt because of the high amount of antioxidants.
Visit Your Knoxville Dentist
Your Knoxville dentist strongly believes in the connection between oral and overall health, and is a founding member of the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health. Our 37919 dental office provides services including general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. To schedule an appointment, call us at 865-584-8630. Dr. Erpenbach is happy to serve patients in West Knoxville, the Bearden area, the 37919 zip code, and surrounding neighborhoods.
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