New research has looked into the impact that a Matcha-based mouthwash can have on Gum Disease. Most of us know matcha for its use in tea and other food and drink. However, it has now also been used in oral health research, with the aim of seeing if it can kill bacteria that are linked to gum disease. Overall, the findings are very positive.
Many of us know Matcha through Matcha Tea – which is a modern take on the traditional hot drink. Matcha tea has proven to be incredibly popular, as have other matcha-based food and drink.
However, new research has looked to combine matcha and mouthwash. A team has looked into how a matcha-based mouthwash could impact Gum Disease [1].
The findings are interesting, and suggest that matcha-based mouthwash can have a very positive impact on our oral health.
What is matcha?
Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder that originates from China. Its light green colour makes it very eye-catching and recognizable.
In recent years, matcha has become a mainstay in the western world. Matcha-flavoured cakes, ice creams, rolls, and of course drinks – are all commonplace.
Many people have praised the impact of matcha on their health. Some have suggested it has eased menstrual cramps, improved digestion, and improved cognitive abilities [2].
So, while there is a connection between matcha and physical health, there is a lack of research on the impact of matcha on oral health. However, new research has sought to change this.
The focus of the research is on its impact on gum disease. Gum disease is a very common condition, which causes painful and swelled gums. When left untreated, it can eventually result in tooth loss. Therefore, trying to avoid gum disease is crucial.
The Research
The research was carried out by a team from Japan. Their findings have been published in the Microbiology Spectrum journal [1].
One element that the team were especially looking at was the bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis, which is known to colonize biofilms on tooth surfaces and expand into deep periodontal pockets – making them incredibly harmful [1].
The team wanted to see if they could stop the spread of this bacteria. Finding substances or powders that do has proven difficult in recent years.
To find this out, they created a study which involved 45 participants with a diagnosis of Periodontitis – which is the most severe form of gum disease [1].
The participants were split into three groups. One group received a barley tea mouthwash, the second received the matcha mouthwash, and the third team received mouthwash that included sodium azulene sulfonate hydrate – which is used to treat inflammation [1].
All participants provided saliva samples prior to starting to use the mouthwash. Then, the participants were instructed to gargle the mouthwash twice a day for a month [1].
At the end of this month, the participants once again provided saliva samples. The saliva samples were then compared and analysed [1].
The analysis showed that the patients in the group that used the matcha mouthwash had seen a substantial reduction in the level of Porphyromonas gingivalis [1].
Conversely, those in the other two groups only saw a minor reduction in the level of the harmful bacteria. Therefore, the matcha mouthwash was the most effective [1].
By inhibiting Porphyromonas gingivalis, this can help to stop the spread of bacteria, and protect the mouth from gum disease.
Follow-up research
Furthermore, the same team conducted a follow-up study. This study involved a matcha extract, rather than matcha mouthwash.
This was an in vitro study that sought to see how the matcha extract impacted 15 oral bacterial species – including the aforementioned Porphyromonas gingivalis [1].
The team introduced the extract to cultured Porphyromonas gingivalis cells. Then, they observed what happened.
Incredibly, there was a very positive impact. Within two hours, nearly all of the cultured cells had been killed. Then, after four hours of exposure, all cells were dead [1].
This follow-up study added further weight to their initial findings. Whether it is matcha mouthwash or matcha extract, the ingredient has a very positive impact.
Summary
These are very promising findings. They suggest that matcha can have a very positive impact on our oral health. With this in mind, we may see matcha oral health products become commonplace.
The authors confirm these findings by noting that “matcha may have clinical applicability for prevention and treatment of periodontitis” [3]. They believe it can help to both prevent and treat periodontitis.
In the future, it is likely that matcha mouthwash could become a part of a treatment plan for those with severe gum disease. As seen in this study, it definitely has the potential to be effective.
Finding new ways of treating gum disease is always important, owing to how many people suffer from the disease. Therefore, these findings are very exciting, and certainly have the possibility of aiding in the treatment of gum disease going forward.
Thinking points…
[1] It is important to visit a dental clinic on a regular basis for a check-up. Dentists are able to check the health of your mouth, including your gums. As discussed earlier, looking after your gums is very important! Therefore, remember to attend appointments regularly, which will help your oral health. We recommend booking a check-up now!
[2] As we mentioned earlier, matcha is something we are seeing more and more these days! Do you know someone who likes matcha products? If so, you could share this article with them, as they will be undoubtedly pleased to see that matcha is linked to improved oral health. Why not share this article now?
What we offer at Taradale Dental
Taradale Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. At our Calgary dental clinic, we provide a range of services for our patients.
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary dental clinic at least twice per year for a regular dental check-up. At these check-ups, we provide a comprehensive review of a patient’s oral health. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For example, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To strengthen your oral health, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly.
Here at Taradale Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, teeth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
Moreover, the fees of our treatments at our Calgary dental clinic Taradale Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This ensures transparent and fair pricing, with no hidden costs.
We hope to see you soon at our Taradale Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://taradaledental.ca/!
References
[1] Nakao, R., Takatsuka, A., Mandokoro, K., Narisawa, N., Ikeda, T., Takai, H., & Ogata, Y. (2024). Multimodal inhibitory effect of matcha on Porphyromonas gingivalis. Microbiology Spectrum. 0: e03426-23. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.03426-23.
[2] Pollard, C. (2024). Is this why Zendaya’s smiling? Celebs’ favourite green drink matcha may ease period cramps and ward off gum disease, research shows… even if it does taste like ‘shredded grass’. Available: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-13443155/Zendaya-green-drink-matcha-period-cramps-gum-disease-shredded-grass.html. Last accessed: 24th May 2024.
[3] American Society for Microbiology. (2024). Matcha mouthwash shown to inhibit bacteria that cause periodontitis. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-05-matcha-mouthwash-shown-inhibit-bacteria.html. Last accessed: 24th May 2024.
