A new study reveals drinking black tea can help prevent gum disease and fight cavities. In several trials, volunteers rinsed their months with black tea. More than 300 types of bacteria make up dental plaque. The bacteria produce acid that causes cavities on the surface of the teeth. Gum disease begins when the bacteria in plaque causes the gums to become inflamed.
Researchers say when exposed to black tea, certain bacteria lose their ability to produce acid.
The chemicals in black tea, called polyphenols, suppress the growth of cavity-causing bacteria in plaque and reduce acid production levels. Christine Wu, lead author from the study at the University of Illinois at Chicago, says people can incorporate tea into their daily eating schedule. Black tea is the most popular beverage all over the world. It is derived from the dried leaves of the Camellia plant.