Researchers have found that matcha, a finely ground green Chinese tea, may help prevent and treat periodontitis, a severe gum disease. A leading cause of periodontitis is the bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis, which the researchers discovered is inhibited by matcha. In lab experiments, they found that matcha solution killed nearly all P. gingivalis cells within four hours. Additionally, a study on 45 people with periodontitis found that those who used matcha mouthwash had significantly lower levels of P. gingivalis in their saliva compared to those who didn’t. This research suggests that matcha may have clinical applicability for the prevention and treatment of periodontitis.
Periodontitis is a severe gum infection that can lead to tooth loss and bone destruction if untreated. Plaque forms on the teeth due to bacteria feeding on sugars in food, which can harden into tartar under the gumline if not removed. P. gingivalis is one of the main bacterial species involved in this process. Chronic infection and inflammation caused by P. gingivalis can lead to periodontitis, where pockets develop between gums and teeth filled with plaque, tartar, and bacteria. This disease is associated with a wide range of chronic inflammation-driven disorders, highlighting the importance of preventing and treating periodontitis.
Matcha tea is made using the leaves of Camellia sinensis, a green tea plant known for its antimicrobial effects. Previous research has shown that green tea in general can inhibit the growth of dangerous bacteria like E. coli, and that P. gingivalis is less able to adhere to cells inside the mouth after exposure to green tea extract. The researchers found that matcha extract inhibited the growth of not only P. gingivalis but also other periodontal pathobionts. This multimodal inhibitory effect of matcha against P. gingivalis could potentially lead to new uses of matcha for treating periodontal disease.
The longer plaque and tartar remain on the teeth, the more they irritate the gums, leading to inflammation that may eventually progress to periodontitis. The dangers of periodontitis have been a focus of much attention in dental and medical research due to its association with tooth loss and other chronic inflammation-driven disorders. It is important to address the underlying causes of periodontitis, such as bacterial growth and inflammation, in order to prevent the progression of the disease and its associated complications. Matcha’s potential role in inhibiting the growth of bacteria associated with periodontitis could offer new possibilities for managing and treating the condition.
The study’s findings on the inhibitory effects of matcha on P. gingivalis highlight the potential for matcha to be used in the prevention and treatment of periodontitis. By targeting the bacteria that contribute to the development of this severe gum disease, matcha may offer a natural and effective way to maintain oral health and prevent the progression of periodontitis. Further research and clinical trials may help to better understand the mechanisms of action of matcha in inhibiting the growth of bacteria in the mouth, and to explore its potential as a therapeutic agent for periodontal disease.
