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of 940 men, and found that the oral health of those who routinely drank green tea was superior to those who consumed less green tea.

Warding Off Gum Disease

Three indicators of periodontal disease (an inflammatory, bacterial infection that affects the gums and bones that support the teeth) were used to analyze the men of the study, who were all between the ages of 49 and 59: periodontal pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL) of gum tissue, and bleeding on probing (BOP) of gum tissue. Researchers found that the measure of all three indicators was lowered, per one cup of green tea consumed a day, exhibiting the decreased occurrence of periodontal disease in subjects who regularly drank green tea.

Why Green Tea Works

Green tea contains an antioxidant called catechin that scientists believe may be the reason green tea reduces the symptoms of gum disease. Former research has shown that antioxidants have the ability to act as anti-inflammatories for the body, and based on the indicators used in this study, PD, CAL, and BOP, it seems that inflammation is the body’s response to periodontal bacteria found in the mouth. Green tea helps by hindering the body’s inflammatory response to this harmful bacteria.

The surest way to prevent periodontal disease is brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and attending regular dental checkups. To schedule your next visit, contact Dental Associates of Corona by calling 951-273-9580 today. Our Corona dentists provide family and general dentistry, and our sister practices serve the greater Riverside area.