The Best Tea for Oral Health, According to Dentists

What you eat and drink affects the health of your teeth and gums. You’ve probably known this since you were a kid, when adults started warning you not to eat too much candy. But many other foods and drinks can also have a positive or negative impact on your oral health.

Beverages are often referred to as “bad” for teeth, whether because they can cause stains or because they contain too much sugar. But there is a surprising drink that could benefit your oral health: green tea. Read on to find out why dentists say this tea can support oral health, how to drink it to get the most out of it, and other oral hygiene tips.

Why green tea is the best tea for oral health

“If I had to choose one, I would choose plain, freshly brewed, unsweetened green tea,” says Sharla Aronson, DDS.

Green tea has several benefits for oral health. “Green tea contains catechins, including EGCG, which have been studied for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activity,” says Aronson. She points out that these polyphenols can help stifle the growth of harmful oral bacteria and prevent them from organizing into biofilms. Dental plaque is an example of biofilm, and its buildup can contribute to tooth decay. Green tea may also reduce gum inflammation and the risk of gum disease.

Green tea is also less acidic than many other drinks. Although still slightly acidic, it has a pH of around 6.5, which is less acidic than drinks like black tea, soda, and juice.

“Acidity is the biggest problem when it comes to tea drinking,” says Michelle Jorgensen, DDS. Acidic conditions can contribute to an environment that decreases tooth mineralization and promotes the growth of bacteria, increasing the risk of cavities and enamel erosion.

Finally, plain green tea does not contain added sugars, which is important for oral health. Consuming too many carbohydrate-rich foods, especially those with added sugars, is linked to poorer dental health, including cavities.

How to prepare green tea

Brewing green tea is a bit of a balancing act. You should steep it long enough to increase the antioxidant activity of the tea, but not so much that it becomes unpleasantly bitter. This sweet spot seems to be between 10 and 15 minutes. However, you can always follow the tea manufacturer’s instructions, who can provide you with specific water-to-tea ratios, water temperature, and steeping time for the best results.

If possible, enjoy all the nuanced flavors of green tea without added sugar, honey or lemon, recommends Aronson. “Ultimately, the healthiest tea is one that replaces a sweet or acidic beverage rather than becoming another source of sugar or prolonged exposure to acid,” she says.

Other Tips for Oral Health

Green tea may be a healthy drink for oral health, but there are many other daily habits that can help reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease:

• Brush and floss daily. This may be a no-brainer, but it’s worth repeating. The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time and cleaning between your teeth once a day. This may include flossing or another cleaner, such as an interdental brush or water flosser.
• Rinse your mouth after eating or drinking. Rinse your mouth with plain water after eating or drinking to help neutralize acidity, says Jorgensen. Additionally, give yourself a few hours between meals or drinks so your saliva can help restore an ideal oral environment.
• Talk to your dentist about dry mouth. Saliva is your mouth’s natural rinsing agent. It helps maintain a neutral oral pH, remineralize teeth and protect your mouth from microorganisms that can cause problems. “Stay well hydrated and talk to your dentist or doctor about persistent dry mouth, especially if you’re taking medications known to reduce saliva,” says Aronson.
• Visit your dentist regularly. Regular dental checkups remain the cornerstone of oral health care. “Many oral diseases are silent in their early, and most treatable, stages,” says Aronson. Your dentist can detect and treat problems before they become dental emergencies and recommend lifestyle changes that can help manage the problem.

Our expert opinion

When it comes to sipping tea, green tea can provide additional oral health benefits because it contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It is also a low sugar and relatively low acid drink. To further strengthen your oral health, brush and floss your teeth daily and work closely with a qualified dental professional.