Tea may guard against cavities

Tea can guard against more things than just sleep. Research shows that black tea has protective properties which reduce the formation of plaque and cavities in teeth. Tea also contains anti-oxidants that help to reduce the chances of heart disease and cancer. Studies conducted at the University of Iowa in collaboration with the University of Sweden and funded by the Tea Trade Health Research Association, have shown that drinking black tea everyday decreases the build up of plaque on teeth as it reduces the growth of bacteria normally present in the mouth. Earlier studies had focussed on the benefits of green tea, which is more common in Eastern countries. However, consumption of black tea is becoming increasingly common in Asia. The study used tea which was truly black, that is without sugar, milk or any other sweetener. This tea contains substances called polyphenols that destroy the plaque and cavity forming bacteria. It also inhibits the formation of the substance that binds plaque to the teeth. Though tea protects against plaque and cavities, it does not prevent tooth stains. Though drinking tea might seem like a simple option for protection against cavities, experts caution that it is not a replacement for traditional forms of oral hygiene maintenance like brushing teeth at least twice a day and frequent flossing.