What Are the Benefits of Oolong Tea Salivation?

The mouth is the portal to the digestive system, and saliva plays a big role in everyday health. For example, increasing salivation makes food taste better and helps lubricate the throat for swallowing. Scientists have known for some time that teas such as oolong increase salivation, and recent research is now revealing other benefits in the complex relationship between this variety and the human body.

Digestion and Remineralization

• Saliva helps in the first stage of digestion as enzymes begin to interact with food structures to bring out individual flavors. The enzymes break down starches into simple sugars. Beyond that, saliva helps capture mineral ions, such as calcium and phosphorus, and redeposits them in the microscopic crevices and spaces in teeth, which helps restore their enamel.

Detergent

• Bacteria in the mouth plays a balancing role in initial digestion by breaking down sugars in the mouth. The byproduct of this process produces acid that can harm healthy teeth and cause cavities, which is why dentists discourage sweets. Saliva acts as a natural detergent to clean teeth and gums.

Recent Research

• Researcher Amber Bratcher of the University of Maine School of Marine Science conducted a 21-day clinical study of oolong, green and black teas and their effect on streptococcus mutans, the bacteria that causes tooth decay. Bratcher expected that green tea would be the most effective in preventing cavities, followed by oolong and black, respectively. But what she found was that there was little difference between the teas, which were all effective at reducing bacteria in the mouth.

A Word About Tannins

• Oolong tea contains tannins, the same substances found in red grapes and red wine that promote good heart and blood health. Tannins are astringent and can be used on skin as well, giving it a tighter, toned look.