You Should Be Drinking THESE Teas
Best Teas for Your Oral Health
With the cold and windy weather spreading across the country, we often crave those warm foods and drinks to help shake off the winter chill. While many of us will reach for the sugary hot chocolate or teeth-staining coffee, there is another hot beverage that may actually be good for our oral health – tea. While most types of tea are better for us than hot chocolate or coffee, there are certain ones that professionals believe will actually provide drinkers with a great number or oral health benefits.
Black, green and oolong teas are all some of the best choices for a warm winter beverage, but the benefits they provide for oral health can be enjoyed all year long. All of these types of tea are made from the same plant, called the Camellia sinensis. The only difference between black, green, and oolong tea is how the tea leaves are processed. Black tea is created when the tea leaves are crushed and then fermented; green tea is created when the leaves are withered and then pan fried or steamed; oolong tea is the result of when tea leaves are crushed and fermented but for less time than black tea.
All of the teas mentioned here have a number of health benefits, mostly due to the high concentration of polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants that can only be derived from plants. Polyphenols has been shown to help lower blood pressure, increase vascular function, stabilize blood sugar and help support the immune system. There are even some studies that indicate that high concentrations of polyphenols can help protect the human body against different cancers.
In addition to these great general health benefits, drinking black, green, and oolong tea has also been shown to have benefits for our oral health. Drinking these types of beverages can actually help to promote healthy gums and teeth, although scientists and dentists alike are not entirely clear why. Not to mention that avoiding the additional sugars or drinks like hot chocolate, some coffee drinks as well as coffee’s staining properties can help keep teeth looking great.
So, does knowing that tea can actually be good for your teeth make you want to have a cup? Make sure to brew it correctly! Steep a tea bag or tea leaves in boiling water for two to eight minutes, add your favorite healthy sweetener like honey, allow the drink to cool, and enjoy!
If you are a regular coffee or tea drinker, your teeth may be stained. If cleanings are out of your price range because you don’t have insurance, the Wellness Dental Plan, a New Hampshire discount dental plan , can save you as much as 20 percent off all bills! For more information, please click here.
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