The power of green tea! Start preventing bad breath with simple care

Introduction

Everybody experiences the annoying problem of bad breath.

Have you ever suddenly become concerned about your breathing, such as after a meal or when speaking in public?

Now that the COVID-19 pandemic is over and we have more opportunities to speak in public, such as in meetings and presentations, mouth odor has become an etiquette issue that each of us must be more mindful of than ever before.

It would be best if you could brush your teeth and gargle frequently, but that's not always possible.

In times like these, green tea is gaining attention as an easy solution.

Did you know that green tea, which has been a popular drink since ancient times, is actually rich in ingredients that help prevent bad breath?

Causes and problems of bad breath

It is said that about 90% of bad breath is caused by oral problems such as periodontal disease and tooth decay.

Therefore, if you want to solve your bad breath problem from the root, your first priority should be to prevent and treat these diseases.

If you are already suffering from periodontal disease or tooth decay, unfortunately, green tea alone will not be able to cure it completely.

Be sure to visit a dentist and receive proper professional treatment.

However, by using green tea in parallel with dental treatment, you can take measures to prevent your bad breath from getting worse.

This time, we will introduce some specific ways to use green tea.

Why green tea is effective in preventing bad breath

The main cause of bad breath is oral dirt such as periodontal bacteria and tongue coating, which is said to account for as much as 90% of cases.

These stains cause substances in the mouth that produce a foul odor, resulting in unpleasant breath.

One catechin that we would like to focus on is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), one of the catechins contained in green tea.

EGCG has the ability to kill and suppress the growth of bacteria that cause bad breath, so it is expected to be effective in preventing bad breath from worsening.

Drinking green tea can help keep your mouth clean and your breath fresh.

1. Suppression of oral bacteria

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) contained in green tea has a strong antibacterial effect against periodontal disease bacteria.

Catechin directly acts on various types of bacteria that grow in the mouth, reducing their numbers.

This reduces the number of bacteria in the mouth and suppresses the production of substances that cause bad breath.

2. Inhibits plaque formation

In addition, catechin is expected to have the effect of suppressing the formation of dental plaque.

Plaque is a breeding ground for bacteria, so preventing plaque buildup helps prevent bad breath.

Catechin inhibits the activity of glucan synthesis enzyme, the main component of dental plaque, making it difficult for plaque to form.

3. Deodorizing effect

In addition, green tea catechins have the effect of directly reducing bad breath by absorbing and neutralizing odorous components that occur in the mouth, such as garlic, fish, and food waste.

The effect of green tea catechins in absorbing and eliminating odorous substances is utilized not only in beverages but also in a variety of other products.

The power of catechins is utilized in unexpected places such as room deodorizers and building materials, as well as pet litter, medical sheets, underwear, and socks.

4. Fluoride protects teeth

Furthermore, green tea contains fluoride, an ingredient that strengthens teeth. In addition to the bactericidal and antibacterial effects of catechin, fluoride also has a preventative effect that protects teeth.

Fluoride mixes with saliva and strengthens teeth, replacing the normal surface material of teeth with a stronger material.

Rinsing your mouth with green tea after meals can also help protect your teeth.

How to drink green tea to prevent bad breath

To prevent bad breath, the most important thing is to take care of your oral health by brushing your teeth carefully.

However, there are probably many situations where you can't brush your teeth right away, such as when you're out and about. In those cases, you can easily take advantage of the power of green tea catechins (EGCG).

To ensure that the catechins are abundantly extracted, drink Sencha (preferably medium-grade or above) brewed with hot water of over 80°C after a meal.

This will reduce oxidation in the mouth, making it less likely for tooth decay to occur, and also reducing bad breath.

If it is difficult to drink tea brewed in a teapot when you are out, we also recommend bottled green tea with a high concentration of catechins.

The function of green tea catechins goes beyond simply refreshing the mouth.

It also has the effect of absorbing and eliminating the unique odor components contained in foods such as garlic and fish.

Even if you can't brush your teeth, drinking green tea can help prevent bad breath.

summary

As we have said many times before, the basis for preventing bad breath is to first take care of your oral health by brushing your teeth.

However, depending on the situation, using green tea can be an effective method.

In particular, drinking green tea, which contains a lot of catechins, after a meal can help prevent the growth of bacteria that cause bad breath and prevent it from occurring.

If you have a bad smell after a meal, drinking green tea may help you feel more confident and enjoy communicating. Please try making it a part of your daily routine.