Matcha has become popular for its potential health benefits, but researchers are now exploring whether this finely ground green tea powder could also support periodontal health.

A 2024 study published in Microbiology Spectrum found that matcha extract inhibited Porphyromonas gingivalis, an important bacterial species associated with periodontitis. In a small clinical trial involving 45 patients with periodontal disease, participants who used a matcha mouthwash experienced a significant reduction in P. gingivalis levels in their saliva.

These early findings are promising, but matcha mouthwash is not yet an established treatment for gum disease. It cannot remove tartar, clean deep periodontal pockets, or replace professional periodontal therapy.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the gums, periodontal ligaments, and bone supporting the teeth.

It typically develops in stages.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the earliest and most reversible stage.

Symptoms may include:

• Red or swollen gums
• Bleeding while brushing or flossing
• Gum tenderness
• Persistent bad breath

At this stage, the supporting bone has not yet been permanently damaged.

Periodontitis

If inflammation progresses below the gumline, periodontal pockets deepen and supporting tissues begin to break down.

Periodontitis may cause:

• Gum recession
• Bone loss
• Loose teeth
• Changes in the bite
• Tooth loss

Severe periodontitis affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide and remains a major cause of adult tooth loss.

Dr. Perrone’s Perspective

“Matcha research is scientifically interesting because it appears to target an important periodontal bacterium. However, reducing bacteria in saliva is not the same as curing periodontitis. Patients still need professional diagnosis, treatment, and long-term maintenance.”

— Marielaina Perrone, DDS

What Is Matcha?

Matcha is made from specially cultivated leaves of Camellia sinensis, the same plant used to produce traditional green tea.

Unlike brewed green tea, matcha is prepared from finely ground whole leaves. Its composition includes naturally occurring plant compounds known as catechins, several of which have been studied for antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity.

One catechin frequently studied in green tea is epigallocatechin gallate, commonly called EGCG.

Laboratory research has previously suggested that green tea compounds may:

• Inhibit the growth of certain oral bacteria
• Reduce bacterial attachment to oral cells
• Interfere with biofilm formation
• Influence inflammatory activity

These findings helped lead researchers to investigate matcha more specifically.

Why Researchers Focused on Porphyromonas gingivalis

Periodontitis is not caused by one organism alone. It develops through a complex interaction among bacterial communities, oral hygiene, the immune response, genetics, smoking, diabetes, and other risk factors.

However, Porphyromonas gingivalis is considered an important periodontal pathobiont because it can contribute to microbial imbalance and interfere with the body’s immune defenses.

It thrives within periodontal biofilms and may become especially concentrated inside deep gum pockets.

Researchers wanted to determine whether matcha could interfere with this organism without broadly eliminating beneficial oral bacteria.

What Did the Laboratory Research Find?

Researchers from the Nihon University School of Dentistry at Matsudo, Japan’s National Institute of Infectious Diseases, and other institutions tested matcha extract against 16 oral bacterial species, including three strains of P. gingivalis.

The laboratory findings showed that matcha extract:

• Strongly inhibited P. gingivalis
• Disrupted bacterial membranes
• Interfered with bacterial adherence
• Produced relatively little activity against several beneficial oral streptococci

Nearly all cultured P. gingivalis cells were killed within two hours of exposure, and all were killed after four hours under the study’s laboratory conditions.

Those results demonstrated bactericidal activity in vitro, but laboratory exposure does not perfectly reproduce the conditions inside a human mouth.

The 45-Patient Clinical Trial

The researchers then conducted a small pilot intervention trial involving 45 adults with chronic periodontitis.

Participants were randomly assigned to rinse twice daily with one of three products:

• Matcha mouthwash
• Barley tea mouthwash
• A mouthwash containing sodium azulene sulfonate hydrate

Researchers collected saliva samples before and after the intervention and measured periodontal bacteria using real-time PCR.

What Did the Clinical Trial Find?

The matcha group experienced a statistically significant reduction in salivary P. gingivalis compared with its pre-treatment level.

The barley tea and sodium azulene groups did not show the same significant reduction in this organism.

Researchers also observed a tendency toward improved periodontal pocket depth in the matcha group, but that change did not reach statistical significance. No adverse events or complications were recorded during the pilot study.

This distinction is important: the study showed a bacterial reduction, but it did not prove that matcha mouthwash reversed periodontal disease, regenerated bone, or eliminated the need for professional treatment.

What Makes the Study Promising?

The study offers an interesting proof of concept for several reasons.

Targeted Antimicrobial Activity

Matcha appeared to affect important periodontal pathogens while showing less activity against several common oral streptococci.

Researchers proposed that this narrower action could potentially reduce harmful organisms without causing broad disruption of the oral microbiome.

Multiple Mechanisms

The matcha extract appeared to interfere with:

• Bacterial growth
• Cell membrane integrity
• Bacterial aggregation
• Attachment to oral cells

This suggests matcha may act against P. gingivalis through more than one biological pathway.

Human Pilot Data

Many natural-product studies never progress beyond the laboratory stage. This investigation included both in vitro testing and a small clinical intervention trial.

That makes the findings more relevant, although larger trials are still necessary.

What the Study Does Not Prove

The research does not establish that matcha mouthwash:

• Cures gingivitis
• Treats moderate or advanced periodontitis by itself
• Removes plaque or hardened tartar
• Regenerates lost bone
• Replaces scaling and root planing
• Prevents tooth loss
• Produces long-term improvement

The clinical study was small and focused primarily on bacterial measurements in saliva.

Larger, longer studies are needed to determine whether matcha produces meaningful improvements in:

• Bleeding on probing
• Periodontal pocket depth
• Attachment levels
• Bone stability
• Tooth retention
• Long-term disease control

Can Drinking Matcha Treat Gum Disease?

There is no evidence that drinking matcha alone treats periodontitis.

Drinking unsweetened green tea may be compatible with a healthy diet, but a beverage does not remain in contact with periodontal tissues in the same controlled way as the experimental mouthwash.

Commercial matcha drinks may also contain:

• Added sugar
• Syrups
• Milk
• Sweetened creamers

Frequent exposure to sweetened beverages can increase cavity risk.

Can You Make Matcha Mouthwash at Home?

The study used a specific prepared formulation under controlled research conditions. A homemade mixture may differ in:

• Concentration
• Purity
• pH
• Bacterial contamination
• Contact time
• Active-compound content

Patients should not assume that mixing grocery-store matcha with water will reproduce the research findings.

Until standardized products and dosing have been studied more thoroughly, homemade matcha rinses should not be promoted as periodontal treatment.

Potential Drawbacks

Although the pilot study reported no adverse events, practical concerns may include:

Tooth Staining

Tea products contain pigments and tannins that may contribute to surface staining over time.

Taste

Matcha has a distinctive earthy flavor that some patients may find unpleasant.

Irritation or Allergy

Individuals sensitive to green tea products may experience irritation or allergic symptoms.

False Reassurance

The greatest concern is delaying proven periodontal treatment because a patient believes a natural rinse has cured the problem.

Cost

High-quality matcha may be relatively expensive compared with standard oral-care products.

Does Matcha Contain Caffeine?

Yes. Matcha naturally contains caffeine.

The amount absorbed from rinsing and spitting would likely differ from drinking matcha, but the study does not establish how much caffeine exposure occurs with repeated mouthwash use.

Patients who are highly sensitive to caffeine, pregnant, or taking medications affected by caffeine should discuss concerns with a healthcare professional.

Could Matcha Interact With Medication?

Green tea products may interact with certain medications or health conditions when consumed in significant amounts.

However, the risks associated specifically with a standardized matcha mouthwash have not been fully established.

Patients taking blood thinners or other prescription medications should consult their physician and dentist before beginning concentrated natural-product regimens.

What Actually Treats Periodontitis?

Evidence-based periodontal treatment remains the standard of care.

Professional Cleaning

Gingivitis may improve after professional plaque and tartar removal combined with better home care.

Scaling and Root Planing

Periodontitis often requires deep cleaning below the gumline to remove bacterial deposits and hardened calculus from tooth roots.

Periodontal Maintenance

After active treatment, many patients require maintenance visits every three to four months.

Additional Therapy

Advanced disease may require:

• Localized antimicrobial treatment
• Periodontal surgery
• Regenerative procedures
• Extraction of teeth with hopeless prognosis

No mouthwash can replace mechanical removal of tartar from deep periodontal pockets.

Proven Ways to Protect Your Gums

Patients can reduce periodontal risk by:

• Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• Cleaning between the teeth every day
• Receiving regular professional cleanings
• Treating bleeding gums early
• Avoiding tobacco
• Managing diabetes
• Addressing dry mouth
• Following an individualized maintenance schedule

A mouthwash may support a complete routine, but it is never the foundation of periodontal treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can matcha cure gum disease?

No. Early research suggests matcha may reduce P. gingivalis, but it has not been proven to cure gingivitis or periodontitis.

Did matcha improve periodontal pockets?

The clinical trial observed a trend toward improvement, but the change in probing pocket depth was not statistically significant.

Did the matcha mouthwash kill all oral bacteria?

No. Laboratory testing suggested relatively limited activity against several common oral streptococci while showing stronger effects against selected periodontal pathogens.

Can matcha remove tartar?

No. Hardened calculus must be removed professionally.

Is matcha better than prescription mouthwash?

The study did not establish that matcha is superior to standard antimicrobial rinses or professional periodontal treatment.

Is matcha mouthwash available commercially?

The published study evaluated a research preparation. Patients should not assume all matcha-containing rinses have equivalent concentration, purity, or effectiveness.

Should I try matcha if my gums bleed?

Bleeding gums should be professionally evaluated. Matcha should not delay diagnosis or treatment.

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A Promising Research Direction

Not Yet a Proven Therapy

The 2024 study offers encouraging early evidence that matcha extract may inhibit Porphyromonas gingivalis and reduce its levels in the saliva of patients with periodontitis. The laboratory findings were strong, and the pilot clinical results justify additional investigation.

However, the evidence is still preliminary.

Matcha mouthwash should currently be viewed as an experimental adjunct—not a replacement for brushing, flossing, professional cleanings, scaling and root planing, or periodontal maintenance.

If you experience bleeding gums, gum recession, persistent bad breath, or loose teeth, schedule a comprehensive periodontal evaluation with Marielaina Perrone, DDS. Early diagnosis remains the most reliable way to control gum disease and preserve your natural smile.

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About the Author

Marielaina Perrone, DDS is an award-winning general, cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentist serving Henderson, Green Valley, Anthem, Seven Hills, Inspirada, Las Vegas, and surrounding Southern Nevada communities. A graduate of Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine, she has practiced dentistry since 1999 and has extensive experience in preventive dentistry, periodontal therapy, scaling and root planing, dental implants, and comprehensive restorative care. Dr. Perrone emphasizes evidence-based treatment while helping patients understand emerging research in oral and systemic health.

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Medically Reviewed By

Marielaina Perrone, DDS
Doctor of Dental Surgery
General, Cosmetic, Restorative & Implant Dentist
Henderson, Nevada

Dr. Perrone regularly completes advanced continuing education in periodontal disease, preventive dentistry, oral microbiology, implant dentistry, restorative care, and evidence-based patient treatment. All educational content is clinically reviewed to clearly distinguish established dental therapy from preliminary or investigational research.

Updated: July 2026