Effect of Green Tea Catechin in periodontal therapy

Green Tea is one of the most commonly consumed beverages worldwide. The leaves that are used to make green tea are infused with polyphenols most notable of which are the catechins. These catechins reputed for their anti-oxidative antimicrobial anti-collagenase anti-mutagenic and chemo-preventive properties are currently being researched for their therapeutic effects within the periodontium. Green tea catechins especially EGCG have been demonstrated to have a preventative effect against the development and advancement of periodontal disease. Not only does it have a direct bactericidal effect but is also central in inhibiting the inflammatory mediators associated with periodontitis. When integrated into scaling and root planing as a slow release local drug delivery system this method of catechin delivery was demonstrated to be more effective and beneficial than scaling and root planing alone. This book illustrates effect of green tea as a local drug delivery agent in chronic periodontitis patients.