Green tea might be good for gums

March 20, 2009 Researchers found, among middle-aged Japanese, the odds of having gum disease declined as the men's intake of green tea rose. For each daily cup they drank the risk of having signs of gum disease, including receding, easily bleeding gums, inched downward.

Scientists reporting in the journal Periodontology say this doesn't mean that green tea is a substitute for seeing the dentist.

Researchers also say they lacked information on the men's overall diet and past studies have suggested certain foods and nutrients, such as whole grains, fiber and vitamin C, may protect the gums.