London, May 05: Herbal tea is not as good as it sounds, it may damage the protective layer on teeth.
Researchers at the University of Bristol Dental School have found herbal tea erodes the enamel or protective layer on teeth. Some are even more harmful than orange juice, which is very acidic and is known to harm teeth, according to a report in a private TV channel.

The findings should act as a warning to people who regard herbal tea as a healthy alternative to other drinks. Writing in the Journal of Dentistry, the researchers said, "Many epidemiological studies show a high prevalence of tooth wear, even in young patients. One factor that may be contributing to this problem is the consumption of herbal tea that is often considered to be healthy alternatives to other beverages".

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The researchers measured the acidic level in a range of different herbal tea. They found that levels varied widely. Some had low pH levels which means they were acidic and could damage teeth. Others had high pH levels suggesting they were alkaline and did not affect teeth. But overall, the researchers found that tea eroded tooth enamel. In fact, some were up to three times more damaging than orange juice, the report said.

Dentists generally advise against drinking too much fruit juice. The sugars in these drinks are known to cause teeth erosion. "Dentists who treat patients with tooth erosion should advise them against drinking herbal tea. This information will be of use to clinicians when counselling patients with tooth surface loss", the researchers wrote.

However, one of the UK`s leading manufacturers of herbal tea, Twinings, rejected the claims, the report added. Bureau Report