Periodontitis is a common gum disease caused by bacterial infection that, if left untreated, can result in serious complications such as tooth loss. Recent studies have linked periodontitis to various health issues like diabetes mellitus, preterm birth, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer.
Researchers in Japan have made a significant discovery regarding the potential benefits of matcha, a finely ground green tea powder, in combating the bacteria responsible for periodontitis, particularly Porphyromonas gingivalis. In lab experiments reported in Microbiology Spectrum, an open-access journal by the American Society for Microbiology, it was found that matcha effectively inhibited the growth of P. gingivalis.
Moreover, a clinical study involving 45 individuals with periodontitis revealed that those who used matcha mouthwash exhibited significantly lower levels of P. gingivalis in their saliva samples compared to the beginning of the study. This promising outcome suggests that matcha could play a role in both preventing and treating periodontitis.
Green tea, derived from the plant Camellia sinensis, has long been recognized for its potential antimicrobial properties against various pathogens. Previous research demonstrated that green tea extract can impede the growth of harmful bacteria like Escherichia coli and P. gingivalis, as well as reduce the adherence of the latter to oral epithelial cells.
Observational studies have also linked green tea consumption to overall better health outcomes. Matcha, commonly used in traditional ceremonies and as a flavoring agent in beverages and desserts, is derived from the raw leaves of C. sinensis.
In a recent study conducted by researchers from the Nihon University School of Dentistry at Matsudo and the National Institute of Infectious Disease in Tokyo, among other institutions, the efficacy of a matcha solution was tested against 16 oral bacterial species, including three strains of P. gingivalis. The results showed that the matcha mouthwash had minimal impact on commensal oral bacteria strains, indicating its specificity in targeting harmful bacteria.
