Halitosis & Oral Hygiene
Halitosis in an affliction that affects many people. It is embarrassing and awkward but can be treated with proper oral hygiene. Green tea and black tea have the ability to stop the growth of bacteria that cause bad breath and suppress odors. Scientists have identified compounds in green tea, known as polyphenols, that can prevent bacterial growth that causes halitosis. Polyphenols prevent both the growth of microbes responsible for bad breath as well the bacteria's production of odorous gases. Bad breath is caused by sulfur-producing bacteria that normally live on the surface of the tongue and throat. At times, these bacteria break down proteins at a very high rates, and odorous volatile sulfur compounds are released from the back of the tongue and throat. The most common is the 'rotten egg' smell of hydrogen sulphide. One of the other sulfur-containing gases is methanethiol, which smells like rotting cabbage. Researchers have found that green tea polyphenols inhibited oral bacterial growth at very high concentrations - between 16 and 250 micro grams per milliliter. At even lower concentrations – from 2.5 to 25 micro grams per milliliter – green tea polyphenols hindered the enzyme that catalyses the formation of hydrogen sulfide, cutting its production by 30%. These findings complement earlier research which showed that black tea suppresses the growth of bacteria in dental plaque, and that rinsing the mouth with black tea reduces plaque formation and the production of acids that cause tooth decay. The major causes of halitosis are: dry mouth; foods high in protein, sugar or acid; smoking; dental factors or nasal and sinus infections. Gargle with green tea mouthwash. Typical mouthwash contains alcohol that dries mucus membranes. Essentially giving bacteria a safe haven.
Dentistry has improved dramatically over the years, both with dental techniques and personal hygiene. The addition of fluoride to toothpaste and drinking water has helped prevent tooth decay. But did you know that drinking tea can help prevent cavities? Tooth enamel is a hard substance that protects your teeth. Plaque can form on your teeth within hours after eating foods, especially foods high in sugar. Green tea polyphenols inhibit the growth of oral bacteria, which can help prevent cavities from forming. When used as a mouth rinse, green tea reduced plaque formation and showed promise in preventing periodontal disease. Bacteria first form a substance called glucan, which adheres to your teeth and builds up in the form of plaque. Green tea contains natural fluorine that protects teeth and strengthens the enamel to help fight cavities. In addition to protecting teeth, the catechins found in green tea actually prevents and kills odor causing bacteria from forming in your mouth. Killing the bacteria that result in halitosis(bad breath) and plaque, can be an excellent addition to brushing and flossing. It is recommended that you brush your teeth two times per day and receive regular checkups from your dentist.
Antioxidants
Caffeine
Cancer
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Green Tea Diet & Weight Loss
Halitosis
Heart Disease
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Influenza
Osteoporosis
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