When you reach into your bathroom cabinet for a swig of mouthwash, you probably wouldn’t expect to find matcha [maa-chuh] there.

But a new study has found that when used as a dental hygiene product, matcha can reduce the risk of gum disease caused by the growth of bacteria.

Matcha, a vibrant green tea powder, is known for its antioxidant properties. It’s popular in Japanese culture and has caught on in the West in teas, lattes, and even desserts.

But it’s more than a tasty treat. According to researchers from Qatar [cutter] University, matcha can benefit brain and heart health and even prevent the development of cancerous tumors.

Now, Japanese researchers have added dental health to the list of matcha’s benefits. The researchers placed 45 participants diagnosed with chronic gum disease, called periodontitis, into three groups. One group used a mouthwash with barley tea, one group used a mouthwash with an anti-inflammatory solution, and one group used a matcha mouthwash.

Those who used the matcha-based mouthwash saw a significant reduction in the levels of gum disease-causing bacteria in their saliva compared with the other groups, who saw little change.

The researchers also found that matcha inhibited the growth of these gum disease-causing bacteria in lab experiments.

Left untreated, periodontitis can cause tooth loss and has been associated with both diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

While commercial matcha mouthwashes aren’t widely available, there are several recipes online to make your own version. And you won’t even need a milk frother.