Could Cut-Price Tea Bags Be Bad For Your Teeth?
A study has revealed that cut-price tea bags contain high levels of fluoride, which could potentially be harmful for the teeth and bones.
The study found that products from the value ranges at leading supermarkets, including Asda, Tesco, Sainsburys and Morrisons, contain high levels of fluoride. Fluoride is a mineral, which is important for healthy teeth and bones; however, high levels can be harmful and the intake of fluoride should be carefully monitored.
Researchers at Derby University measured the amount of fluoride in different tea bags and found that value products contain more fluoride because they are made from older tea leaves.
The recommended daily intake of fluoride is 4mg in the USA (no level has yet been set in the UK) and according to researchers, Waitrose’s Essential range was the only value product that contained less fluoride than the RDA; the Waitrose tea bag contained 3.6mg per litre, while the average among other value range tea bags was 6mg. Pure blend Assam and Darjeeling tea bags contained the lowest levels of fluoride, with popular brands, PG Tips, Twinings Typhoo containing an average of 3.3mg.
Fluoride can be beneficial for making tooth and bone tissue strong; however, large quantities can be damaging. Excessive intake of fluoride can contribute to skeletal fluorosis, a painful and debilitating condition, as well as dental fluorosis, which is characterised by white patches on the teeth.
Researcher, Laura Chan, said that people may be taking in more fluoride than they think by drinking low cost tea bags and the public should be aware of the fluoride content of own-brand products.
Join this Discussion