Can Drinking Black Tea Reduce Cavities?

Are you a black tea drinker? If so, you may have less plaque buildup and cavities than those who don't!

Christine Wu, Professor of Periodontics at the University of Illinois said "we found that the black tea infusion can inhibit or suppress the growth of bacteria that promotes cavities and affect their ability to attach to the tooth surface."

Medical research has also found that drinking black tea offers many health benefits, some include:

• Protection against heart disease
• Reduces bacterial infections
• Protects against some types of cancer

So even if you're not a black tea drinker you can rinse your mouth out with it several times a day to help reduce plaque build up and the chance of cavities!


*Info is from 2001

Plaque Attack Experiment

Did you know February is National Children's Dental Health Month? Well now you do!

If your a teacher or have a child at home and would like to teach them about dental plaque, here is a fun easy science experiment!

Ingredients:

• 2 plastic cups
• 2 spoons
• 4 tsp. yeast
• 2 cups of warm water (not hot)
• 1 TB of sugar

Directions:

1. Place 2 tsp. of yeast into each cup.
2. Add 1 cup of warm water into each cup.
3. Add 1 TB sugar to ONE cup.
4. Stir to mix (using separate spoons)
5. Watch the PLAQUE ATTACK!!

This is an great lesson to show children why its so important that we brush and floss our teeth twice a day.

*If your a teacher you can pair this lesson with a new toothbrush for each student for extra excitement!