Recent research showed that many types of beverages have erosive effect on teeth. Some citric acids found in fruit drinks are more erosive than hydrochloric or sulfuric acid. These acids promote tooth erosion, which wears away the hard part of the teeth, or the enamel. Findings of the study revealed that a habit of drinking home brewed green tea can save teeth from erosion.

Research team led by Mohamed A. Bassiouny, DMD, BDS, MSc, PhD compared green and black tea to soda and orange juice in terms of their short- and long-term erosive effect on human teeth. The tea has no erosive effect. Study also showed that the green tea was better than black tea.

Dr. Bassiouny said that much research done overseas, in countries such as Japan and Europe, found that green tea was identified to being superior over black due to its natural flavonoids (plant nutrients) and antioxidants.

Researchers advised not to use any additives such as milk, lemon or sugar in green tea. Home brewed was found better than prepackaged iced teas which contain citric acid and high amounts of sugars.