Can Matcha Save You From Gum Disease?

Matcha green tea might be a powerful ally in the fight against gum disease, according to new research. In laboratory tests, matcha was found to inhibit the growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis, a primary bacterial cause of gum disease.

A small clinical trial involving 45 participants with gum disease revealed that those who used a matcha-based mouthwash had significantly reduced levels of P. gingivalis compared to other groups.

Key Findings

"Matcha may have clinical potential for preventing and treating periodontitis," concluded researchers from the Nihon University School of Dentistry at Matsudo, Japan, in their study published May 2024 in Microbiology Spectrum.

Matcha, a concentrated green tea available as a powder, has a long history in traditional tea ceremonies and is commonly used to flavor drinks and desserts. Previous studies have highlighted the tea's antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.

In this study, researchers applied a matcha solution to 16 types of mouth bacteria in a lab setting, including three strains of P. gingivalis. Within two hours, most of the P. gingivalis cells were killed, and all were eliminated within four hours.

Understanding Matcha's Power

Its health benefits are attributed to a unique blend of bioactive compounds, including:

• Catechins: Known for their strong antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.
• L-Theanine: Promotes relaxation and may support immune health.
• Polyphenols: Powerful antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and inflammation.

The study also tested matcha’s effects in a human trial, dividing participants into three groups: one used a matcha mouthwash, another barley tea, and the third an anti-inflammatory mouthwash. Only the matcha group showed significant reductions in gum disease-causing bacteria, as confirmed by saliva tests.

Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and has been linked to serious health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, preterm birth, rheumatoid arthritis, and even cancer, the researchers noted.

Source: American Society of Microbiology, May, 2024.