"Drinking tea may ward off tooth decay."

A study suggests chemicals in tea can destroy bacteria and viruses that cause throat infections, dental caries and other dental conditions. It raises the prospect of adding tea extracts to toothpaste and mouthwash to protect the teeth.

It found that caffeinated green tea was the best at fighting viruses, followed by caffeinated black tea. Decaffeinated blends were less effective as anti-viral agents.

BBC News, May 20 2003