If You Ever Run Out of Mouthwash... - KCBD NewsChannel 11 Lubbock

Have you ever run out of mouthwash? Here's a quick fix.

Try swishing a cup of tea! A new study suggests the compounds in tea can wipe out bacteria that cause bad breath.

Researchers at the University of Illinois College of Dentistry mixed tea compounds with three types of bacteria known to cause mouth odors. They say the tea chemicals helped stop the germs from growing and triggering the enzymes that cause bad breath.

Earlier, research has suggested that tea may also help prevent cavities and plaque build-up. By the way, black and green teas contain the highest levels of these bad breath fighters.

The study was presented on Tuesday at the American Society for Microbiology in Washington, D.C. It was conducted by Dr. Christina Wu at the University of Illinois College of Dentistry.