The Effect of Green Tea drinking on Dental Caries Prevention

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of green tea drinking on development of dental caries among elementary school children that had relatively high caries activity. Methods: 254 students (4th grade of elementary school)were divided into two groups of experimental group(140 students) and control group(114 students). Before enrolled in the study, informed consents were received from their parents. The experimental group was served 100ml green tea twice a day and the control group wasn't served green tea. Drinking tea was freshly prepared everyday and served to children in same manner during 12 months except vacation. Oral examination was conducted according to WHO criteria. Measurements about S. mutans, Lactobacillus and buffering capacity were evaluated at baseline, 6months and 12 months. Results: The development of dental caries was decreased in green tea group than control group(p<0.05). The number of S.mutans was decreased in green tea group than control group(p<0.05). There was no difference between green tea group and control group in Lactobacillus count(p>0.05). Conclusions: This result suggested that green tea drinking is one of the good dental caries prevention methods for elementary school children.