Anticariogenic effect of tea: A review of literature

The caries inhibitory effect of extract from tea which is one of the most popular beverages consumed has been studied both in vitro and in vivo. The exact mechanism by which tea can prevent dental caries is yet not known, but certain theories like bactericidal effects of tea against Streptococcus mutans and prevention of bacterial adherence to teeth have been suggested. The present article describes a brief review on some of the research conducted on the caries inhibitory effect of tea. Key words:  Dental caries, tea, anticariogenic.