I was interested to come across a news article recently suggesting that the poplar Japanese tea could support the prevention of periodontal disease. It seems that matcha, which is made from the raw leaves of the tea plant gown in almost no sunlight, may be a friend to dentists everywhere.
- sinensis – from which matcha comes – is already known for its antimicrobial properties. This research paper[i] assessed matcha specifically for its ability to inhibit the growth of P. gingivalis, as well as two other pathogens related to oral disease (Prevotella nigrescens and Fusobacterium nucleatum). It found that matcha triggers both morphological and physiological changes in the pathogenic envelope. The substance increased membrane stiffness while decreasing membrane permeability of P. gingivalis. It also caused membrane depolarisation, all of which made the cells easier to destroy.
A dose-dependent and heat stable correlation was reported, suggesting that matcha would be effective against P. gingivalis in various conditions. Researchers also postulated a potential for the green tea to improve probing pocket depth, although further study will be required to confirm this.
These latest findings make matcha a strong potential ally in the fight against gingival diseases. It is relatively inexpensive and easy for patients to implement, while also being a natural substance with no known negative side effects when consumed in moderation.
On a side note, matcha has been linked with various other health benefits that may be of interest for the holistic dentist or any other healthcare professional. For instance, it helps to reduce stress and anxiety, improve memory and boost cognitive function.[ii] There is also some evidence to show that matcha supports sleep quality.[iii] More definitive research is still needed, but results so far certainly provide food for thought.
Back to periodontal disease, this remains a pressing concern across the country, with half of all UK adults expected to experience the condition at some point in their lives. There is also a substantial body of evidence associating periodontitis with a whole host of systemic conditions, elevating the importance of prevention.
Something as simple a daily cup of green tea could benefit a huge number of people. Of course, there is no substitute for a high-quality oral hygiene routine, but safe and effective adjunctives that protect the mouth throughout the day are always welcome.
[i] Nakao R, Takatsuka A, Mandokoro K, Narisawa N, Ikeda T, Takai H, Ogata Y. 0.
Multimodal inhibitory effect of matcha on Porphyromonas gingivalis. Microbiol Spectr 0:e03426-23. https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.03426-23
[ii] Sokary S, Al-Asmakh M, Zakaria Z, Bawadi H. The therapeutic potential of matcha tea: A critical review on human and animal studies. Curr Res Food Sci. 2022 Nov 23;6:100396. doi: 10.1016/j.crfs.2022.11.015. PMID: 36582446; PMCID: PMC9792400.
[iii] Matcha.com. 12-month study on matcha’s long-term health promoting properties confirms improved social cognition & sleep quality. September 203. https://matcha.com/blogs/news/12-month-study-on-the-long-term-health-promoting-properties-of-matcha-confirms-improved-social-cognition-sleep-quality [Accessed may 2024]
