Other articles by Jodi Mailander Farrell:

Protect yourself from holiday-induced headaches Microwave popcorn concerns addressed White tea may be good for your health Getting your vitamins in liquid form has its pros and cons Here's quick lowdown on medicinal Band-Aid Achieving proper posture is healthful goal - here's how

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Product: Dr. Ken's Maximum Care toothpaste, 6 ounces, $5.99.

Key ingredients: Green tea extract combined with fluoride and baking soda.

The pitch: Green tea fights cavities, helps prevent gum disease and fights bad breath.

How it works: Studies have shown that green tea extract inhibits Streptococcus mutans, the bacteria responsible for tooth decay. Catechins found in green tea combat oral plaque and bacteria that may lead to gum inflammation and bad odor.

Pros: In trials, researchers at the University of Illinois in Chicago found in 2001 that drinking green tea may reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth that cause bad breath. In a separate study, Pace University researchers determined that flavonoids in green tea work with the germ killers in toothpaste and mouthwash, making them even more effective at fighting viruses and preventing cavities.

Drinking tea was associated with lower levels of dental cavities in a study of 6,014 secondary-school children in England.

Cons: In 2003, researchers at the University of Bristol Dental School found that teas erode the enamel or protective layer on teeth. The Chicago study that found green tea could fight bad breath was funded by the Tea Trade Health Research Association in London. No one knows whether green tea supplements have the same health benefits as drinking tea itself.

Bottom line: It could be a good option for people searching for natural products that offer the same effectiveness and taste as the leading commercial brands.

Health