Drinking tea has many health benefits, from antioxidants that keep us young to boosting the immune system, and soothing an upset digestive system. Tea is a great way to feel calm and relaxed, especially after a busy day of work.
Drinking Acidic Fruit Tea Can Damage Teeth
A new study has found that drinking fruit tea can cause damage to teeth and wear down enamel.
A group of researchers from King's College London found that drinking tea, especially acidic fruit teas in between each meal, can wear away at the enamel on those pearly whites.
In the study, researchers analyzed more than 300 men and women who have erosive tooth wear, a condition which has become a major concern.
Researchers found that the problem isn't drinking the fruit tea itself, but keeping tea in the mouth for a while before swallowing is what causes damage to teeth.
Pick One Acidic Food Or Drink Per Day
Throughout the day, most people already snack on extremely acidic fruits such as apples, grapefruit, grapes, and blueberries. However, Dr. Saoirse and his team of researchers highly recommend choosing only one acidic snack or beverage during the day.
For example, people will need to pick between drinking fruit tea after breakfast or that glass of wine with dinner.
pH Levels In Tea
When it comes to drinking tea, people should pay attention to the levels of pH. The pH scale ranges anywhere from 1 to 14, according to Sheltondentistry.com. Any pH levels less than 7 is considered acidic while anything greater than 7 is considered basic.
For example, here are some pH levels of some of the most common teas that people drink. Black tea has an average pH level of 4.9-5.5, green tea pH level is 7-10, while chamomile and mint tea's pH level is 6-7. Fruit teas like lemon and blackberry pH levels are between 2-3, according to Healthline.com.
Tea To Drink
Whenever people crave a cup of tea, they should aim to make a cup of black or green tea.
Previous studies have shown that black and green tea can have a major impact on dental health. In fact, dentists said they would rather people drink tea over soda since most tea is non-erosive, according to the British Dental Association.
