Recently, a group of students from the University of Illinois have uncovered another truth about black tea. They believe that black tea can help fight cavities. We know how people in London and some parts in Asia prefer tea. Well, these people may unknowingly be rescuing their pearly whites from the dreaded cavity invasion. Black tea, as the students say, have components that fight bacteria in the mouth that causes cavities and gum problems.
Black Tea and Green Tea
Earlier studies were focused only on green tea mostly in Asian countries. However, as studies continued, scientists found more viable and effective compounds in black tea that can be used to fight against tooth decay and improve oral hygiene.
What exactly does black tea do in your mouth?
o Black tea has been found out to be able to suppress or even kill the bacteria that produce harmful acids in the plaque that destroy the teeth.
o It also targets a specific enzyme called glucosyltransferase which is the culprit responsible for making plaque so difficult to get rid of.
o Black tea also makes other types of bacteria in the mouth lose their ability to combine with plaque and thereby lessening its buildup.
According to the scientists, timely intake of black tea may significantly improve oral health. Intake of black tea can be used in preventing oral diseases and tooth decay but not as a cure. This discovery confirms an earlier Swedish study that also concluded beneficial results in gargling with black tea. The tea was said to have prevented plaque build up which is the same result arrived at by these students.
This new effect of black tea can now be added to its many other favourable effects like being a good source of antioxidants.