Carbonated soft drinks may be convenient and addictive, but they are wreaking havoc on our teeth. Consuming large amounts of soda can lead to lesions, dental erosion, and demineralization. Sugary drinks mix with the bacteria in your mouth to form acid, which attacks your teeth. You might think opting for “sugar-free” or diet soda would be better, but they contain their acid that can harm your teeth. Each acid attack lasts about 20 minutes and starts over with every sip of soda.
So, if you’re a soda drinker, what can you do to protect your teeth?
The Power of Green Tea
Turns out, green tea can help. It’s known for its numerous health benefits, such as promoting healthier eyes, a stronger heart, and even keeping cancer at bay. Now, researchers in Brazil have discovered another advantage of green tea: It protects your teeth from erosion caused by drinking soft drinks.
A study conducted by the Bauru School of Dentistry in São Paulo involved immersing teeth in cola soft drinks with and without green tea added. The results showed that adding green tea to the soft drink reduced enamel erosion by up to 40 percent.
Green Tea and Dental Health
Green tea’s benefits for dental health don’t stop there. It’s also being used to enhance healing after dental surgery. Preparing green tea is quite simple — you only need water, tea leaves, and a little heat, and you’re good to go. If you own a Keurig machine, tooth protection is just a press of a button away. However, it’s essential to remember that sweetened green tea wouldn’t be as effective, so if you prefer bottled green tea, look for unprocessed and unfiltered options.
Green Tea Mouthwashes and Toothpaste
Besides drinking green tea, there are other ways to take advantage of its dental health benefits. Green tea mouthwashes are now available and have been proven to reduce plaque and gingivitis. One study found that using a green tea mouthwash along with regular oral hygiene practices reduced plaque scores by 36.9% and gingival index scores by 64.6%. This is similar to the reductions achieved with the use of a traditional chlorhexidine mouthwash.
In addition to mouthwashes, some toothpaste products containing green tea extracts are available on the market as well. These toothpaste options can fight bad breath, reduce gum inflammation, and inhibit the growth of bacteria, as shown in various studies. One such study found that toothpaste containing green tea extract effectively reduced plaque formation and the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth.
Incorporating Green Tea Into Your Dental Routine
To maximize green tea’s dental benefits, consider incorporating it into your daily routine. Start by replacing one or more of your daily soda consumption with green tea. You can enjoy it hot or cold, but make sure not to add any sweeteners that could counteract the dental health benefits.
Next, look for a green tea mouthwash or toothpaste product that suits your needs. Integrate these products into your daily brushing and rinsing routine to help protect your teeth and gums against harmful bacteria and plaque.
Additional Tips for Protecting Your Teeth
Though green tea can help protect your teeth from the effects of soda, it is essential to maintain regular dental hygiene habits as well. These practices include:
- Brushing your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time
- Flossing daily
- Avoiding overconsumption of sugary foods and drinks
- Quitting smoking or using tobacco products
- Scheduling regular dental appointments and cleanings
By implementing green tea into your dental care routine and maintaining good oral hygiene habits, you can help protect your teeth from the harmful effects of soda and promote overall dental health.
