Green tea pulling – does it work?

Green tea is a beverage that packs a punch for many reasons. Apart from its mellow flavor and numerous other health benefits, new research suggests that green tea pulling helps maintain oral health too.

1. Defends against caries: Fresh leaves of green tea come packed with protective polyphenols, known deterrents of the harmful microbes S. mutans and S. sobrinus. Swishing your mouth with green tea brew inhibits their adhesion to teeth enamel and safeguards against caries
2. Protects dentin: Green tea pulling protects the dentin layer and even boosts acid resistance of the enamel.
3. Promotes periodontal health: The anti-inflammatory compounds in green tea control plaque formation and bleeding gums, which in turn prevents tooth loss. Studies have reported lesser incidents of periodontal disease and markedly better gum health in people who regularly use mouthwashes made from green tea extract.
4. Improves breath: According to research, green tea is more effective than mints and gums at reducing the foul-smelling volatile sulphur compounds released by anaerobic bacteria, thus fighting halitosis.

Green tea pulling – brew your own homemade mouthwash!

Candies and gums made from green tea extract are great for oral health. However, green tea pulling is an ideal alternative since its fresh brew naturally contains the best source of antioxidants across the tea family, while still mild enough not to eradicate benevolent bacteria.

Recipe

• Brew tea leaves in boiling water for a minute.
• Once cooled, add 1 tsp of baking soda.
• For larger amounts, store in a sealed container to prolong freshness.

Routine

• Swish 1 tbsp of brew and in your mouth thoroughly for 5 minutes every day.
• Spit out the swished liquid.
• Finish off the routine by gargling with water to avoid staining from tea tannins.