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Last updated: Apr 20, 2024

10 best herbal teas for dental plaque

Several herbal teas, including green, chamomile, and rosemary teas, offer proven benefits in reducing dental plaque.

Rich in antioxidants, green tea inhibits the growth of bacteria responsible for plaque. Chamomile tea, with its anti-inflammatory properties, soothes gums and fights plaque.

Notably, rosemary tea boasts powerful antibacterial properties that effectively decrease plaque buildup, making it a superior choice for maintaining oral health.

1. Green Tea

Green tea decreases dental plaque by inhibiting the growth of harmful oral bacteria, according to scientific research.

Green tea's catechins, powerful antioxidants, destroy plaque-causing bacteria, thus preventing plaque formation. A study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that regular green tea consumption reduces the risk of gum disease by lowering the levels of harmful oral bacteria. Furthermore, green tea's anti-inflammatory properties help reduce inflammation caused by plaque and prevent gum disease.

Thus, green tea provides a natural, effective method to combat dental plaque and maintain oral health.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in green tea tea that help with dental plaque.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in green tea tea that aid with dental plaque.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic green tea tea for dental plaque.

  1. Boil 8 ounces of water, reaching a temperature of 160-170°F, for 1-2 minutes.
  2. Place one green tea bag or 1 teaspoon of loose leaf green tea in a cup.
  3. Pour the hot water over the tea, allowing it to steep for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Remove the tea bag or strain out loose tea leaves.
  5. Let the tea cool to a drinkable temperature, then rinse your mouth with it after brushing your teeth for 30-60 seconds, swishing it around thoroughly before spitting it out.

2. Black Tea

Black tea contains polyphenols, specifically flavonoids, which inhibit the growth of bacterial plaque by preventing it from adhering to tooth enamel.

One study published in the Journal of Periodontology reveals that drinking black tea restricts the formation of harmful bacteria like Streptococcus mutans, a primary cause of dental caries. The astringent properties of black tea leave a protective film on the teeth, making it difficult for plaque-causing bacteria to establish colonies. Furthermore, black tea's fluoride content strengthens tooth enamel, making teeth more resistant to acid attacks that lead to dental plaque.

Consequently, regular consumption of black tea helps maintain optimal oral health by reducing the risk of dental plaque and related complications.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in black tea tea that help with dental plaque.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in black tea tea that aid with dental plaque.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic black tea tea for dental plaque.

  1. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil, taking about 5-7 minutes on medium-high heat.
  2. Add 1 teaspoon of high-quality black tea leaves, brew for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, ensuring it completely dissolves.
  4. Let the tea cool down to a warm temperature, about 10 minutes.
  5. Rinse your mouth with the tea for 1 minute, then spit it out. (Do not swallow.)

3. Chamomile

Chamomile tea contains anti bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which directly combat the bacteria that cause dental plaque.

The bioactive compounds in chamomile tea, such as flavonoids, inhibit the growth of harmful plaque-causing bacteria, promoting better oral health. Furthermore, chamomile tea's anti-inflammatory effects soothe irritated gums, reducing the risk of gum disease associated with plaque buildup. Its astringent qualities also help to tighten gum tissues, preventing the development of periodontal diseases.

Additionally, drinking chamomile tea increases saliva production, flushing away food particles and bacteria, and thus, minimizing plaque formation.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in chamomile tea that help with dental plaque.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in chamomile tea that aid with dental plaque.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile tea for dental plaque.

  1. Boil 8 ounces of water, reaching a full rolling boil for optimal extraction of chamomile's benefits.
  2. Add 1 tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers to a tea infuser or teapot, allowing the flowers to steep and release their active compounds.
  3. Steep the chamomile in the boiling water for 5-7 minutes, ensuring a strong and effective tea.
  4. Strain the tea to remove the chamomile flowers, preventing unwanted particles from entering the final drink.
  5. Allow the tea to cool to a comfortable drinking temperature before consuming, ideally between 140-150°F (60-65°C).

4. Echinacea

Echinacea tea contains powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which directly address two causes of dental plaque.

This herbal tea's roving antibacterial agents target and eradicate the harmful bacteria that accumulate on teeth and gums, preventing plaque formation. Simultaneously, echinacea's proven anti-inflammatory effects alleviate gum inflammation, a common consequence of plaque buildup. Furthermore, echinacea's immune-boosting properties foster a robust immune response against bacterial infections, curbing plaque development.

As a consequence, regular consumption of echinacea tea enhances oral health and helps maintain a cleaner, plaque-free dental environment.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in echinacea tea that help with dental plaque.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in echinacea tea that aid with dental plaque.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic echinacea tea for dental plaque.

  1. Boil 2 cups of water in a pot, then add 2 tablespoons of dried echinacea flowers and leaves.
  2. Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for 15 minutes to extract the herb's properties.
  3. Strain the tea using a fine-mesh sieve into a cup, discarding the solids.
  4. Add raw honey to taste, stirring until it's fully dissolved.
  5. Drink the tea while warm, twice a day for dental plaque reduction.

5. Sage

Sage tea's antibacterial properties, rooted in its high content of essential oils and flavonoids, directly counteract the growth of dental plaque by eliminating the bacteria responsible.

A study published in the Journal of Contemporary Dental Practice shows that sage extract reduces dental plaque and gingivitis. Sage tea's astringent qualities tighten gum tissues, creating a less hospitable environment for plaque-forming bacteria.

Furthermore, the abundant antioxidants in sage tea protect gums from inflammation and infection, while also helping to neutralize the acids produced by plaque-causing bacteria.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in sage tea that help with dental plaque.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in sage tea that aid with dental plaque.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic sage tea for dental plaque.

  1. Gather 1 cup of fresh sage leaves and rinse them thoroughly to remove any impurities.
  2. Boil 2 cups of water in a pot, then add the cleaned sage leaves.
  3. Simmer the mixture on low heat for 15 minutes to allow the release of active compounds.
  4. Strain the liquid to remove the leaves and let it cool down to a drinkable temperature.
  5. Sip the sage tea slowly, swishing it around your mouth for 30 seconds before swallowing, twice a day after meals.

6. Clove

Clove tea fights dental plaque due to its active component, eugenol, which exhibits strong antibacterial properties.

This compound reduces the number of bacteria in the mouth, preventing them from forming dental plaque. Additionally, eugenol inhibits the production of bacterial enzymes responsible for plaque adhesion, further decreasing the likelihood of plaque formation.

Furthermore, clove tea's anti-inflammatory qualities alleviate gum irritation and soothe existing inflammation caused by dental plaque. The astringent properties of clove tea also promote gum health by tightening gum tissues and diminishing gum bleeding.

In summary, clove tea's antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties effectively combat dental plaque and support overall oral health.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in clove tea that help with dental plaque.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in clove tea that aid with dental plaque.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic clove tea for dental plaque.

  1. In a pot, boil 1 cup of water for 3-5 minutes.
  2. Add 2-3 crushed cloves to the boiling water, then simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Strain the mixture to remove clove pieces, revealing your clove tea.
  4. Allow the tea to cool down for 2-3 minutes until warm.
  5. Sip and swirl the tea around your mouth for 2-3 minutes before swallowing.

7. Cinnamon

Cinnamon tea fights dental plaque due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which reduce the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth.

This spice contains cinnamaldehyde, a compound known to inhibit bacterial biofilm formation, a primary component of dental plaque. Moreover, cinnamon tea's antioxidants help prevent gum inflammation caused by plaque buildup. Regular consumption of cinnamon tea can strengthen teeth and gums, discouraging the development and settlement of plaque-forming bacteria.

Consequently, cinnamon tea offers an effective, natural solution for promoting oral health and combating dental plaque.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in cinnamon tea that help with dental plaque.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in cinnamon tea that aid with dental plaque.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic cinnamon tea for dental plaque.

  1. Boil 1 cup of water for 3-5 minutes, allowing it to reach a rolling boil.
  2. Add 1 cinnamon stick (2-3 inches long) to the boiling water, steep for 10-15 minutes.
  3. Remove cinnamon stick and optionally strain the tea into a cup.
  4. Stir in 1 teaspoon of raw honey for added flavor and potential antibacterial benefits.
  5. Drink the tea slowly, swishing it around your mouth to reach dental plaque, let it cool before swallowing.

8. Peppermint

Peppermint tea combats dental plaque due to its antibacterial properties, which reduce the growth of cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth.

The menthol present in peppermint tea creates an inhospitable environment for bacteria, preventing them from adhering to teeth and gums. Furthermore, peppermint tea's active compounds, such as rosmarinic acid and flavonoids, inhibit the formation of plaque and promote overall oral health.

Additionally, peppermint tea stimulates saliva production, which washes away bacteria and food particles, neutralizing acidity in the mouth and maintaining a balanced oral ecosystem.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in peppermint tea that help with dental plaque.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in peppermint tea that aid with dental plaque.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic peppermint tea for dental plaque.

  1. Boil 8 ounces of water, reaching a temperature of 200-212°F, for 5-10 minutes to ensure proper heat.
  2. Crush or break 1-2 dried peppermint leaves, releasing oils, for 30 seconds to improve potency.
  3. Steep crushed peppermint leaves in boiling water for 5-7 minutes, allowing the water to draw out the leaves' beneficial properties.
  4. Strain the liquid into a cup, discarding the used peppermint leaves for a clean and enjoyable drinking experience.
  5. Enjoy the hot peppermint tea, sipping slowly, to maximize the dental plaque-fighting benefits.

9. Spearmint

Spearmint tea's antibacterial properties, resulting from its constituent compounds like carvone and limonene, directly combat dental plaque by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth.

These compounds reduce the formation of biofilm, a primary component of plaque, on tooth surfaces. Furthermore, spearmint tea stimulates saliva production, which mechanically washes away bacteria and food debris, while its naturally occurring fluoride content strengthens enamel, making teeth more resistant to plaque buildup.

Additionally, its anti-inflammatory effects help soothe irritated gums, promoting overall oral health.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in spearmint tea that help with dental plaque.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in spearmint tea that aid with dental plaque.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic spearmint tea for dental plaque.

  1. Boil 8 ounces of water, reaching a full rollng boil.
  2. Crush or tear 10 fresh spearmint leaves, releasing oils.
  3. Steep leaves in boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
  4. Strain and discard leaves, retaining only the liquid.
  5. Drink tea while warm, up to three times daily after meals.

10. Ginger

Ginger tea contains compounds, such as gingerols, that demonstrate antibacterial properties.

These compounds inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutans, a bacterium responsible for dental plaque and tooth decay. Furthermore, ginger tea's anti-inflammatory effects can reduce gum inflammation caused by dental plaque. Additionally, gingerols stimulate saliva production, helping to wash away harmful bacteria and food particles in the mouth.

Finally, ginger tea's antioxidants protect oral tissues from damage and support overall oral health, thus helping with dental plaque.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in ginger tea that help with dental plaque.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in ginger tea that aid with dental plaque.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ginger tea for dental plaque.

  1. Peel and grate 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger root.
  2. Boil 2 cups of water, then add grated ginger and simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Strain the ginger tea into a cup, discarding the solid ginger pieces.
  4. Stir in 1 teaspoon of honey and 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice for flavor (optional).
  5. Drink the warm ginger tea, allowing it to swish around your mouth gently before swallowing, for at least 5 minutes daily after brushing your teeth.

What is dental plaque and how can it affect your life?

Dental plaque is a colorless, sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on our teeth.

This bacteria feeds on the sugars and starches we consume, producing acids that erode tooth enamel and cause cavities. If plaque accumulates, it can harden into tartar, leading to gum inflammation and periodontal disease. Periodontal disease has severe consequences for people's lives, including tooth loss, infection, and systemic health issues like heart disease and diabetes.

Therefore, maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are vital to prevent dental plaque's adverse effects.

What other natural remedies help with dental plaque?

Dental plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth, leads to various oral health issues like cavities and gum disease.

Several natural remedies effectively combat dental plaque. Oil pulling, an ancient practice, involves swishing oil (like coconut or sesame) around the mouth for 15-20 minutes before spitting it out. This technique reduces plaque, boosts oral health, and freshens breath.

Baking soda, a popular ingredient in toothpaste, possesses natural antibacterial properties that neutralize acidity in the mouth, inhibiting plaque formation. Additionally, consuming probiotic-rich foods, such as yogurt and sauerkraut, introduces beneficial bacteria into the gut and mouth, combating cavity-causing bacteria. A diet low in sugar and refined carbohydrates also contributes to reduced plaque buildup by limiting the food supply for harmful bacteria.

Practicing these natural remedies regularly complements a rigorous oral hygiene routine, promoting overall oral health.