The group research project I had the opportunity in presenting at the Greater New York Dental Meeting 2019 focused on educating patients on the use of green tea as a nutritional, beneficial aid in maintaining optimal oral health. Green tea, while not to be used as an alternative to professional cleanings and check ups, can provide as an excellent drinking substitute to sodas, juices, and mixed drinks. Green tea contains an abundance of powerful polyphenol antioxidants such as EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) which are capable of inhibiting the growth of 10 types of bacteria known to cause tooth decay. EGCG antioxidants also targets and suppresses anaerobic bacteria that produces bad mouth odor. Research studies have shown that the incorporation of green tea into daily diet may present a decrease in periodontal pocket depth, clinical attachment loss of the gingival tissue and bleeding upon probing of the gum tissue. These clinical findings are not only useful in providing patients with proper nutritional patient counseling, but provided the researchers with further insight into the slow breakdown of enamel from acidic properties. The benefits in the use of fluoride was also studied, as green tea contains high levels (nearly 7mg/L when made with deionized water).
