Periodontitis, a serious gum disease caused by bacterial infections, can lead to tooth loss and is also linked to conditions like diabetes, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and even cancer. One of the primary culprits behind periodontitis is Porphyromonas gingivalis, a harmful bacterium that thrives in the deep pockets of gums and forms biofilms on tooth surfaces.
However, a new study suggests that matcha, the finely ground green tea powder, could be an effective natural remedy for fighting this bacteria. Published in Microbiology Spectrum, a journal by the American Society for Microbiology, researchers from Japan have found that matcha can inhibit the growth of P. gingivalis in laboratory experiments. In a clinical study with 45 patients suffering from periodontitis, those who used matcha mouthwash showed a significant reduction in P. gingivalis levels in their saliva, suggesting matcha’s potential as a treatment or preventive measure for gum disease.
Green tea, derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, has long been studied for its antimicrobial properties against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Previous studies have shown that green tea extract can limit the growth of various pathogens, including E. coli, and reduce the adhesion of P. gingivalis to dental cells. The new research builds on these findings, focusing on matcha’s ability to target oral bacteria.
In the study, researchers tested a matcha solution on 16 different types of oral bacteria, including three strains of P. gingivalis. The results were promising: the matcha extract killed nearly all P. gingivalis cells within two hours, with complete eradication after four hours. This suggests that matcha possesses significant antimicrobial properties against this harmful bacterium.
To further investigate, the researchers conducted a clinical trial with 45 patients diagnosed with chronic periodontitis. The patients were divided into three groups: one group used a barley tea mouthwash, another used matcha mouthwash, and the third used a mouthwash containing sodium azulene sulfonate hydrate, which is typically used for inflammation. After two weeks of using the mouthwash twice a day, saliva samples were taken and analyzed. The results revealed that the matcha group had a substantial reduction in P. gingivalis levels, while the other two groups did not show similar improvements.
While this study is not the first to explore the antimicrobial effects of green tea compounds on P. gingivalis, it provides strong evidence supporting matcha as a beneficial addition to periodontal disease treatment plans. These findings suggest that matcha could be a natural, accessible solution for improving oral health and fighting gum disease.