Fruit Teas – A Risk To Your Teeth?

A recent report has indicated that the rise in popularity of fruit teas may be harmful for our teeth.

The ‘British diet’ is constantly evolving, and whilst years ago may have consisted of meat and over boiled vegetables and a cup of tea, almost all of us now enjoy foods and flavours from around the world. Health consciousness has also started to become a determining factor in what we eat and drink. Largely, this is a positive thing, but even ‘healthy’ food and drinks can have drawbacks.

At Alexandra Dental Care, one problem that we notice periodically in patients is signs of enamel wear. This can be caused by a number of things, including over enthusiastic brushing of the teeth. What we eat and drink though, can also contribute to this, even if they are healthy products!

Fruit teas

Taking fruit teas as an example, as they have recently been in the news. On the surface of it, these should be a healthy alternative to many drinks that we consume. The refreshing taste and any residual vitamins should also be beneficial. Unfortunately, there are three ways that they may not be as beneficial as we think.

Sugar – Especially with citric drinks, such as lemon tea, the sharp taste may encourage us to add more sugar than we would in regular tea. We probably don’t need to explain why that is not a good thing.

Acids – Fruit teas, and especially citric ones, are generally quite acidic. This can be damaging to the enamel of our teeth, causing enamel erosion, over a period of time, especially if we ……

Savour the drink – Because fruit teas have a refreshing and sometimes delicate flavour; rather than sip the tea and swallow it, it seems that many of us take a sip and allow it to remain in the mouth for a while to get the maximum flavour from it. Doing this allows the acids in the teeth to come into contact with our teeth enamel for longer, increasing the degree of damage done. Whilst the odd fruit tea drunk may not cause significant damage, if we drink it regularly, enamel erosion may soon follow.

Enamel erosion

Aside from the fact that damaged enamel tends to create a rougher surface on a tooth, which allows it to become more easily stained; the enamel is a protective layer that, when strong and healthy, prevents acids and bacteria from entering the more vulnerable inner part of the tooth which consists of softer materials. When the enamel becomes compromised, bacteria will soon find its way into these parts, often leading to decay and even root canal infections.

Whilst we are able able to offer our Burton and Ashby patients treatments to restore their teeth, should problems occur, it is obviously far better to avoid them happening in the first place. If you do drink fruit tea, try to choose one that doesn’t make you add sugar and try to sip and swallow, avoiding holding the drink in your mouth.

Regular dental checks will also allow us to monitor the condition of the enamel on your teeth. We invite you to make your appointment with us by calling Alexandra Dental Care on 01283 216347.

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