Should You Put Matcha In Your Mouthwash?
You’ve heard that the super tea is good for your health, but can it benefit your smile specifically? We ask the experts. (Photo: Julie Toy, Getty)
Matcha is said to be good for your heart, your blood, your mood, your metabolism…and now, we hear, the antioxidant-rich green tea may be good for your teeth, too. Eric Gower, founder and creative director of Breakaway Matcha in San Francisco, tells us that he’s heard of people using the green-tea varietal as mouthwash. “They make a solution and then swish it around in their mouth,” he says. In Japan, you can even buy matcha toothpaste. But it seems counterintuitive to us that the tea (a known contributor to tooth discoloration) could stave off cavities, never mind freshen breath.
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But truth is, using matcha in your morning (and night!) routine isn’t that far-fetched. “Green tea may be helpful in fighting cavities and periodontal disease,” says Timothy Chase, DMD, cosmetic dentist of SmilesNY in New York City, adding that while the research is promising, more is needed. One possible explanation for its benefits? Studies have found that green tea, like many teas, has antimicrobial properties, which means that it may help reduce inactivate bacteria that cause cavities. Other research suggests that it may also help lower the acidity levels of saliva, which in turn protects tooth enamel.
But it will take more than that to convince the American Dental Association. “There isn’t a sufficient amount of scientific evidence to support the proposed benefits,” says Ruchi Sahota, DDS, spokesperson for the ADA. Dr. Sahota says she wouldn’t recommend matcha oral health aids to her patients, and instead urges them to use only retail products that carry the ADA Seal of Acceptance. (You can find a list of those products here.)
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And in case you’re like us and wondering if a tannin-filled tea rinse could stain your teeth, the answer is…yep. Although green tea isn’t as potentially darkening as black tea, Dr. Chase says that habitually swishing with it could still dull your smile.
So maybe pass on the matcha mouthwash, but continue to enjoy a nice hot cup for a nice little metabolic spike. Dr. Chase says that you can minimize the risk of stains by finishing your drink in one sitting instead of sipping it all day. After drinking, rinse your mouth out with water and brush your teeth 30 minutes after you finish. This will ensure you get all of matcha tea’s benefits, from teeth to toes—without the unwanted side effects.
By Karen Asp
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