Green tea after meals could reduce gum disease, dentist says

A US dentist highlighted that green tea's catechins can suppress harmful oral bacteria, and a 2021 meta-analysis of 18 randomized trials reported improvements in periodontal measures.

Dr Mark Burhenne, a US-based dentist known online as 'The Sleep Dentist', has pointed to the common Japanese habit of drinking green tea after meals and suggested it may support oral health. He noted research showing green tea's catechins can suppress bacteria that damage gums. A 2021 meta-analysis of 18 randomised clinical trials is reported to have found significant improvements in periodontal measures such as pocket depth and clinical attachment loss. The article also reports concerns about pesticide residues in many commercial green teas and mentions expert preference for higher-quality, organic loose-leaf varieties for frequent consumption. Key points: - Dr Mark Burhenne said green tea's catechins directly suppress bacteria linked to gum disease. - A 2021 meta-analysis of 18 randomized clinical trials reported improvements in periodontal pocket depth and clinical attachment loss with green tea. - Green tea polyphenols were reported to inhibit Porphyromonas gingivalis and may help neutralise sulphur compounds that cause bad breath. - The article reports that many commercial green teas can carry pesticide residues and that experts recommend choosing higher-quality, organic loose-leaf varieties for daily use. - Timing is noted: sipping unsweetened green tea after eating was described as a way to reduce bacterial load without immediate brushing, while dentists are reported to advise waiting about 30 minutes after meals before brushing. Summary: The article presents green tea as a possible adjunct to oral hygiene, citing clinical trial evidence and expert commentary about antibacterial polyphenols. Undetermined at this time.