Drinking black or green tea (without the added sugar or aspartame) reduces the accumulation of dental plaque and bacteria in the mouth, thus helping to prevent tooth decay. For years Japanese studies have proclaimed the beneficial effects of green tea on oral health. In 2001 a group of researchers from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry presented their findings on the use of black tea to the American Society for Microbiology ("Tea Fights Cavities, Reduces Plague." Science Daily, 24 May 200.) The study found that when volunteers rinsed with black tea for for 30 seconds five times at three minute intervals, plaque producing bacteria stopped growing and producing acid. So go ahead and do your teeth a favor. Have a cup of tea!
