Civilizations around the world have used teas to treat sickness and pain, and prominent among them is green tea. Unlike black tea, green tea is not fermented, so its powerful antioxidant, a polyphenol called EGCG, remains unaltered.

Evidence suggests that green tea can be effective in the prevention and treatment of certain types of cancer, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis and impaired immune function.

Because our mouths are an oxygen-rich environment closely connected to our blood vessels, they provide an ideal habitat for the growth and rapid proliferation of cancer cells. Scientists have confirmed that green tea not only halts the growth of new oral cancer cells but it actually breaks down and kills existing oral cancer cells. A double-blind study of people with leukoplakia, a precancerous oral condition, showed that those in the green tea group (compared to those in the placebo group) had significant decreases in the pre-cancerous condition.

This is why doctors examine your mouth closely on each visit to determine any changes in texture or color that might indicate the presence of oral cancers. This early screening is just one more reason to schedule regular checkup.

Ingredients in green tea can also reduce the risk of acquiring dental cavities. One study compared two groups. The one that rinsed each night with an alcohol extract of oolong tea leaves had significantly less plaque formation than the group who did not.

Another benefit of green tea is that it stunts the growth of odor-causing bacteria, thus helping you maintain a fresh breath.

And just how much green tea should we be drinking? To fully obtain the benefits, we should drink at least four to six cups a day. And if you don’t want to drink it down, simply use it as a mouthwash. Decaffeinated tea is recommended to reduce the side effects associated with caffeine, including anxiety and insomnia. Supplements in the form of tablets are also available.