Have you noticed wellness experts heralding the benefits that green tea can bring to your well-being? This trendy beverage made from non-oxidized tea leaves has a lighter color than the black tea you might be familiar with. And research does suggest green tea can improve digestion, blood pressure, and mental alertness.
Green tea can also benefit your oral health thanks to its natural antioxidants. However, you should pay attention to your smile when consuming this beverage because it carries some potential risks as well. Read on to learn details about how green tea can either help or hinder your oral health.
Antioxidants in Green Tea Boost Gum Health
Green tea features naturally occurring antioxidants, substances that will fight toxins in your body that might otherwise damage your cells. Consuming foods and beverages that contain antioxidants can lower your chances of developing certain health issues, including oral infections like gum disease.
More specifically, antioxidants reduce the harmful effects that can occur with your body’s inflammatory response. Inflammation from underlying health problems like heart disease can lead to irritation or swelling that can affect other areas in your body. Gum disease and its resulting inflamed gum tissue can have this same effect.
Gum disease requires intervention from a dentist to eradicate the infection. But you can prevent oral infections and relieve some uncomfortable periodontal symptoms if you consume antioxidants through green tea.
Do not hesitate to reach out to your dentist about changes or problems in your gum health. Untreated gum disease can lead to serious damage to your gums, teeth, and jawbone.
Potential Dental Problems Linked to Green Tea
The benefits of green tea on your oral health seem evident, but this beverage may also harm your smile if you are not careful. Pay attention to potential symptoms as you consume green tea.
Green tea has a lighter color than black tea. But it still contains some tannins, the natural substances that give tea its dark color. Tannins can absorb into your teeth over time and leave dark stains behind on your smile. You cannot remove dental discoloration like this on your own, so look out for this cosmetic dental damage and talk to your dentist about teeth whitening options.
Antioxidants from green tea have the extra advantage of lowering your chance of forming tooth decay. But green tea might also contain added sugar. Infamously, sugar can erode and weaken your teeth, which will make them more susceptible to cavities, negating this positive effect. Check the ingredients of your brand of green tea before drinking it and steer clear of products with high amounts of sugar.
Enamel erosion from sugar consumption or other causes is irreversible. While a dentist can treat a cavity, you should preserve your natural dental structure for as long as you can. Visit your dentist to find more preventative dental care advice that will help you protect the look and feel of your smile.