Healthy Teeth

Learn About the Positive Effect of Tea on Teeth

Back in the '70s, fluoride was found to promote healthy teeth by helping to prevent tooth decay, and soon after it was added to our water supply and to toothpaste. Even so, gum disease and dental caries (tooth decay resulting in a cavity) remain health issues today.

Oolong Tea Goes Hand in Hand with Healthy Teeth

We try to promote healthy teeth and gums by brushing our teeth and flossing first thing in the morning and even before we go to bed, but during the day the opportunity for cavities grows. Bacteria that exists in the mouth, combined with sugars and acids that have been ingested during the course of the day, not only causes problems with our tooth's surface but with our gums as well. Another common ailment threatening our healthy teeth is gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums that can gradually cause destruction of the bone supporting the teeth.

The good news is researchers have found that the effect of tea on teeth is a positive one. Tea polyphenols pack a punch at promoting healthy teeth and gums.

The Pedodontics and Oral Microbiology department, Faculty of Dentistry at Osaka University¹ studied the effects of Oolong tea on teeth and dental health. They found that Oolong tea, which contains a high level of polyphenols called catechins, aids in the preservation of healthy teeth by inhibiting bacteria growth in the mouth and reducing the rate of acid production caused by the oral bacteria.

Oolong tea contains fluoride. Fluoride is known for promoting healthy teeth as it decreases the tooth's surface absorption of bacteria while strengthening enamel, which can help to reduce tooth decay. Another study performed at the Laboratory for Cancer Research at Rutgers University² suggested that tea may also play a role in the prevention of oral cancer.

So smile, because it's never too late to take care of your teeth and gums. Okuma's brand of Oolong tea, Wu-Long, and our PolyTeaNx tea capsules are both rich in the polyphenols that can help you to achieve healthy teeth and gums. So drink up!

Start shopping for Wu-Long tea and PolyTeaNx tea capsules, and see for yourself how easy it is to achieve healthy teeth and gums. Try it and love it, or your money back. If you have any questions about Okuma's Wu-Long products, visit our FAQs or feel free to contact us for more information. Our friendly and knowledgeable customer service representatives would be happy to assist you.

1. Caries Research 1999;33:441-445 (DOI: 10.1159/000016549)
2. Pharmacol. Toxicol. 42; 25-54