Mouthwashes containing matcha inhibit the growth of the main bacterial cause of periodontitis (Porphyromonas gingivalis). Other harmful bacteria are also apparently selectively killed by the mouthwash. Matcha therefore seems to be highly recommended as part of the treatment for periodontal disease.
A research team led by Ryoma Nakao from the Japanese National Institute of Infectious Diseases has investigated the effect of matcha against 16 types of oral bacteria and demonstrated convincing antibacterial effects. The study results have been published in the specialist journal “Microbiology Spectrum”.
Periodontitis not only endangers the teeth
Periodontitis is an inflammatory gum disease caused by bacterial infections that, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss, the researchers explain.
In addition, gum disease is associated with an increased risk of diabetes, premature birth, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer.
Bacteria are the trigger
Various bacteria can trigger periodontitis and one of the main bacterial causes is Porphyromonas gingivalis, the research team continued. This bacterium forms biofilms on the tooth surfaces and spreads into deep periodontal pockets.
Matcha is a finely ground powder made from green tea (from the tea plant Camellia sinensis) and previous studies have already suggested that it can be effective against Porphyromonas gingivalis, the researchers explain.
Antibacterial effect of matcha
The team therefore tested the antibacterial effect of matcha extract in experiments on cell cultures and on 45 people with periodontitis.
The laboratory experiments showed that the matcha extract killed almost all of the cultured Porphyromonas gingivalis cells within two hours, and after four hours of exposure, all of the cells had died, the researchers report.
How effective are matcha mouthwashes?
The team then tested the effect on 45 people with chronic periodontitis who were randomly divided into three groups and received either a mouthwash containing barley tea, a mouthwash containing matcha extract or a mouthwash containing sodium azulene sulfonate hydrate (used to treat inflammation).
All participants were instructed to use the mouthwash twice a day for a month. Before and after the intervention, the researchers took saliva samples, which they used to analyze the effects on the various bacteria.
Reduction of Porphyromonas gingivalis
The analysis showed that participants in the group using matcha mouthwash had a significant reduction in Porphyromonas gingivalis levels, which was not observed in the other two groups.
The matcha mouthwash also significantly reduced some other harmful bacteria, while only a small effect was observed on beneficial oral bacteria, the team reports.
Matcha for prevention and treatment
Laboratory tests have shown that match extract inhibits the growth of Porphyromonas gingivalis in a variety of ways, triggering both morphological and physiological changes in the bacterial envelope.
Overall, the study results show that matcha is clinically applicable for the prevention and treatment of periodontitis, the research team concluded. (fp)