I usually drink green tea in the winter when it is cold or I’m starting not to feel well but after reading numerous articles I have found that the benefits aren't just to speed up metabolism but they help strengthen your teeth and gums.

In one study presented in the Journal of Periodontology demonstrated that in their researched of 940 men periodontal health, it found that those who regularly drank green tea had better dental health than other men that consumed less green tea.

“Male participants aged 49 through 59 were examined on three indicators of periodontal disease: periodontal pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL) of gum tissue, and bleeding on probing (BOP) of the gum tissue. Researchers observed that for every one cup of green tea consumed per day, there was a decrease in all three indicators, therefore signifying a lower instance of periodontal disease in those subjects who regularly drank green tea” said study author Dr. Yoshihiro Shimazaki of Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan.

Another study in Preventative Medicine, established that people aged 40-64 who drank one cup of green tea a day were unlikely to lose teeth compared to those who drank coffee. The green tea and coffee that the participants drunk during the study had no sugars or artificial sweeteners added. Adding the sugars or sweeteners has the likelihood to undo the health benefits that tea or coffee could provide for healthy teeth and gums.

Researchers that conducted the study in Preventative Medicine believe that the antimicrobial molecules called catechins that are found in green tea were the reason for the change for the better in the participant’s oral health. Catechins have the potential to kill bacteria associated with tooth decay and gum disease, which can prevent tooth loss and other oral health problems.

Dentists believe that maintaining healthy teeth and gums are an important part of maintaining overall health. Periodontal disease is not only responsible for tooth loss, but it is also associated with the progression of other diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. That is why it is so important to find simple ways to boost periodontal health, such as regularly drinking green tea.

To read more about the study: http://news.discovery.com/human/health/green-tea-teeth-dental.htm

Sarah Kuretzky, MA, CPT, CHHC