Calcium and Black Tea: On Oral Health

CALCIUM has long been acknowledged for its role in the prevention of Osteoporosis but also in its role in making our teeth more strong and healthy. A study released by the School of Dental Medicine of the State University of New York under the Journal of Periodontology (gum diseases) has demonstrated that calcium-rich foods  may also help in preventing tooth loss that occurs in aging. The researchers were particularly interested in how calcium affected the incidence of Periodontitis, the gum disease that when left untreated may lead to damage of the gums and bone around the teeth and may eventually lead to tooth loss. The researchers looked at the relationship between periodontitis and dietary calcium intake of individuals and found out a significant association between low calcium intake and increased cases of gum disease. The study reveals that men and women who ate or took less than 500mg per day of calcium were almost twice as likely to have gum disease as those consuming higher levels of calcium. People who consume a diet rich in calcium during the growth period when bone is forming and as adults when bone is constantly being remodeled may be better able to withstand the effects of periodontitis.
A recent Chicago of Dentistry Study reveled that people who rinsed their mouths with BLACK TEA  multiple times a day had less plaque build-up than those who rinsed with water. According to Dr. Christine Wu, “polyphenols in tea suppress the bacterial enzyme that triggers plaque accumulation. Thus, drinking tea a few times a day could have the same effect. Black tea offers the cleansing effect mentioned in the study that shows black tea reduces dental plaque thus resulting in fewer cavities.
Dentists have long recommended that people brush their teeth at least twice a day, floss at least once and have a professional prophylaxis (cleaning) twice a year, in order to protect and keep a full set of teeth healthy. Thus, a prescription for healthy teeth: Brush, Floss and Get Enough Calcium. However, it is important to keep in mind, that calcium is only one of several nutrition and lifestyle component essential for healthy bones and teeth.