The bacteria lurking in your mouth could be doing more than just keeping people away. Mouth bacteria not only leads to tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath, it can actually trigger a heart attack. Researchers found that the same bacteria that leads to gum disease can cause blood clots, abnormal heart beat, and the makings of a heart attack. Since there are billions of bacteria in the mouth, the risks are pretty hard to swallow. Fortunately, new studies have found that black and green tea freshen breath and fight bacteria, including those that cause strep throat and tooth decay. Green tea was even found to help toothpaste and mouthwash fight off viruses! For fresh breath and a clean mouth, try Watkins Green Tea (TheraTea) along with Breath Purifier, Mouth Rinse or Mouthwash Concentrate, Whitening Toothpaste and Purifying Peelu Gum—now that's something to chew on!
Brenda Koth, MS, RD
19th August 2003
