Green Tea Vs Coffee: The Former Seems Healthier

According to a study conducted among elderly in Japan, consuming green tea may reduce risk of poor Oral Health Related Quality of Life

The tea and coffee are two most commonly used beverages in the world. The green tea is particularly popular in China and Japan.

Oral health or overall health and hygiene of mouth is an important aspect of general health and as such is a reflection of overall general health.

The general estimate of well being of individuals and societies is measured in terms of Quality of Life (QoL). It is about individual’s perception of their position in life. Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) is specifically about individual’s oral health.

Consumption of both green tea and coffee is known to have positive health impact thus help improve quality of life. But how about their impact on oral health related QoL?

In a cross sectional study conducted among elderly people in Japan, the relationship between green tea and coffee consumption and oral health related QoL was studied by the researchers.

Upon suitable adjustments, the results showed increased consumption of green tea had positive effect on self reported oral health related quality of life. On the other hand, no significant association was observed in the case of increased consumption of coffee and oral health related QoL.

It was concluded that consumption of more than 3 cups of green tea per day may reduce the risk of poor oral health related quality of life especially in men.

This is significant because advanced age and compromising systemic conditions like diabetes are known to have adverse impact on oral health. The green tea consumption may help improve oral health related QoL.

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{You may read the original research paper by clicking the DOI link given below in the list of cited source(s)}

Source(s)

1. Nanri H. et al 2018. Consumption of green tea but not coffee is associated with the oral health-related quality of life among an older Japanese population: Kyoto-Kameoka cross-sectional study. Eur J Clin Nutr. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41430-018-0186-y

2. Sischo L and Broder H.L 2011. Oral Health-related Quality of Life.What, Why, How, and Future Implications. J Dent Res. 90(11) https://doi.org/10.1177/0022034511399918