Fluoride in Ceylon tea and its implications to dental health

Environ Geochem Health. 2007 Oct;29(5):429-34. doi: 10.1007/s10653-007-9087-z. Epub 2007 Mar 22.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the fluoride content of Ceylon Tea, which is a popular beverage throughout the world. The fluoride content of tea infusions prepared from different grades of tea leaves collected from different parts of the tea-growing regions (25 samples) of Sri Lanka was measured using a fluoride-selective electrode. Fluoride leaching was found to vary from 0.32 to 1.69 mg F/l, but there were no significant differences in terms of fluoride leaching between tea from different tea-growing regions or between tea of different grades. Dental fluorosis is widespread throughout the dry zone of Sri Lanka, and drinking water has traditionally been considered to be the main contributory factor to the development of fluorosis. However, diet, the consumption of tea in particular, may also contribute to the manifestation of dental diseases.

MeSH terms

  • Dental Caries / epidemiology
  • Dental Caries / prevention & control*
  • Dental Health Surveys
  • Fluorides / analysis*
  • Humans
  • Plant Leaves / chemistry*
  • Tea / chemistry*
  • Tooth Diseases / epidemiology
  • Tooth Diseases / prevention & control
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / analysis*
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / toxicity
  • Water Supply / analysis*
  • Water Supply / standards

Substances

  • Tea
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical
  • Fluorides