A method of improving dental health in a mammal in which a mammal drinks at least 0.5 liters of water per day for a majority of the days of a period of at least one month, the water having been contacted with an amount of a non-decomposed moss effective to improve dental health as evidenced by a reduction in the pocket depths of the teeth of the mammal. A method of improving dental health in a mammal in which the mammal's teeth are brushed using a toothpaste or rinsed with a mouthwash for a majority of the days of a period of at least one month, the toothpaste or mouthwash containing an amount of a non-decomposed moss or non-decomposed moss extract effective to improve dental health as evidenced by a reduction in the pocket depths of the teeth. A toothpaste or mouthwash containing an effective amount of a non-decomposed moss or non-decomposed moss extract.