India’s elderly population, constituting about 7.7% of the total demographic, faces significant oral health challenges, exacerbated by limited access to dental care, cognitive impairments, and financial constraints. Among common issues is denture stomatitis, often resulting from poor denture hygiene. Green tea (Camellia sinensis), known for its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, offers a promising, cost-effective natural alternative for maintaining oral hygiene. Historically used for medicinal purposes across Asia, green tea contains polyphenols particularly EGCG that exhibit antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. These bioactive compounds effectively combat pathogens like Candida albicans, Streptococcus mutans, and Porphyromonas gingivalis, while also neutralizing volatile sulfur compounds associated with halitosis. Moreover, green tea catechins aid in managing periodontitis and show potential in suppressing oral squamous cell carcinoma. However, current evidence remains largely restricted to in vitro and formulation-level investigations; extensive clinical validation and methodological standardization are essential to enable translational implementation in geriatric oral healthcare. This review highlights green tea’s therapeutic potential as a denture cleanser and oral health adjunct, especially for elderly individuals in resource-limited settings, promoting accessible, natural solutions for comprehensive oral care.
Green Tea, Oral Health, Elderly Population, Denture Stomatitis, Antimicrobial Properties
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