Is black tea better for your teeth than acidic soft drinks? Tooth surface pH during drinking of black tea

Objectives To investigate the composition of black tea in terms of its eros ive potential. To determine the pH profile at the palatal surface of anteri or and posterior sites of the dentition after drinking black tea. Methods Tea solution was analysed for its pH and anion composition to provi de information on its acid content. X group often healthy subjects, aged 21 -23 years were monitored for tooth surface pH on the palatal aspects of the maxillary anterior dentition and the maxillary molar dentition after drink ing tea using a micro-pH electrode mounted on a vinyl splint. Results The FH of the tea solution was 4.9 and the major anions detected we re oxalate and citrate. Tooth surface pH monitoring indicated that only sma ll decreases in pH of less than 1pH unit were observed after drinking tea a nd the minimum mean pH reached was 5.45. Maximum decrease in FH was observe d after 20-25 seconds and resting FH levels were restored within approximat ely 2 minutes after drinking. Conclusion The FH and anion profile of black ten are indicative of low acid composition. The very small pH decreases observed at the tooth surface aft er drinking tea indicate that it may be safely recommended as a substitute for more acidic drinks as a part of preventive measures for dental erosion.