The health benefits of matcha for oral health

Matcha has many benefits (improves memory, reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, etc.), and research continues to discover new virtues. Among the recognized benefits of consuming matcha regularly, Japanese scientists are revealing new results on the effects of matcha on oral health.

This finely ground Japanese green tea powder can help ward off the bacteria responsible for periodontitis. These results reinforce the conclusions of several previous studies that reported the beneficial effects of green tea on the oral epithelium microbiome (oral flora) and microRNAs.

Matcha mouthwash inhibits the bacteria responsible for periodontitis.

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of the gums caused by a bacterial infection.

The prevalence and severity of periodontal disease increases with age, particularly after the age of 50. Men have poorer periodontal health than women, and certain ethnic and racial groups have a higher prevalence of periodontitis.

Poor oral practice leads to a build-up of biofilm, causing gingivitis, which often progresses to periodontitis. If left untreated, it can lead to numerous complications, including tooth loss.

There is also a strong association between type 2 diabetes and periodontitis, with higher prevalence and severity in diabetic subjects. This disease is also associated with premature births, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer.

On the other hand, smokers have an increased prevalence and severity of periodontal disease, and smoking inhibits the healing process of periodontal tissues.

The superpowers of matcha for oral health

In addition to good oral hygiene habits, matcha mouthwash is said to be one of the essential steps for wellbeing. According to Japanese researchers, matcha may help ward off the bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis). Matcha inhibited the growth of P. gingivalis in laboratory experiments.

In addition, in a clinical study of 45 people with periodontitis, those who used matcha mouthwash showed significantly lower levels of P. gingivalis in saliva samples than at the start of the study. Matcha may therefore have clinical applicability for the prevention and treatment of periodontitis.

The tea plant (Camellia sinensis, or C. sinensis) is a plant that has long been studied for its potential antimicrobial effects against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. A previous study found that green tea extract can inhibit the growth of pathogens, including Escherichia coli (E. coli).

Other research has shown that the extract can inhibit the growth of P. gingivalis and reduce its adhesion to oral epithelial cells. In addition, observational studies have linked green tea consumption to better health.

Matcha is a powerful antimicrobial agent.

Matcha, used in traditional ceremonies in Japan and to flavour drinks (matcha latte, etc.), sweets, and pastries, is made from raw leaves of C. sinensis. For this new study, researchers from the School of Dentistry at Nihon University in Matsudo (Nihon University Graduate School of Dentistry at Matsudo), The National Institute of Infectious Diseases in Tokyo, and other institutions conducted a series of in vitro experiments to test the effectiveness of a matcha solution against 16 species of oral bacteria, including three strains of P. gingivalis.

Within two hours, almost all of the cultured P. gingivalis cells were killed by the matcha extract, and after four hours of exposure, all of the cells were dead. These results suggest bactericidal activity against the pathogen, and therefore the potential of matcha mouthwash.

The researchers then recruited 45 people with chronic periodontitis for a clinical follow-up study. The patients were randomly divided into three groups: the first group received a barley tea mouthwash, the second a matcha extract mouthwash, and the third a mouthwash containing sodium azulenesulfonate hydrate, used to treat inflammation. Saliva samples were collected before and after the intervention and analysed by PCR (polymerase chain reaction), and participants were asked to rinse their mouths twice a day.

Finally, the analysis revealed that patients in the group who used matcha mouthwash showed a significant reduction in P. gingivalis levels. Patients in the other two groups did not show the same significant reduction.

Although the new study is not the first to investigate the antimicrobial effects of tea-derived compounds on P. gingivalis, the researchers note that it supports the potential benefits of matcha as part of a treatment plan for people with periodontal disease and for the wellbeing of oral flora.

How to prepare a matcha mouthwash?

This green tea powder has natural antiseptic properties and is rich in antioxidants. Its use in cosmetics is becoming increasingly popular (matcha face masks, etc.), and it could also become an ally for your oral health.

However, before giving you the recipe, it is worth noting that matcha can very slightly colour the teeth in some people if used too frequently. It is therefore recommended not to exceed one use per day.

The procedure for creating your homemade matcha mouthwash recipe is simple, and it is advisable to use organic culinary matcha rather than ceremonial matcha. This is not only to avoid wasting premium matcha, but also to reduce the cost of your mouthwash.

Recipe for your matcha mouthwash

■ Heat water to approximately 75-80°C (not boiling, in order to preserve the properties of the matcha).

In a small bowl or cup:

• Pour approximately 60-80 ml of hot water;
• Add 1/2 teaspoon of organic matcha tea;
• Gently stir with a spoon until completely dissolved.
• Be sure to let it cool to room temperature.

Usage:

• Take a sip of the matcha mouthwash and hold the liquid in your mouth for about 30 seconds.
• Swish the solution around your mouth;
• Repeat if necessary;
• Then rinse with clean water.

Jimmy Braun - November 2024

Sources

1. Nakao R., Takatsuka A., Mandokoro K., et al. (2024). "Multimodal inhibitory effect of matcha on Porphyromonas gingivalis." Microbiology Spectrum. DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03426-23. https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/spectrum.03426-23
2. "The benefits of green tea on oral flora and against oral cancer". (2018). https://blognutritionsante.com/2018/04/17/the-vert-bienfaits-flore-buccale/
3. "Effects of green tea on miRNA and microbiome of oral epithelium," Scientific Reports, (2018), volume 8, Item No. 5873. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-22994-3

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