Anticariogenic effects of black tea (Camellia sinensis) in caries-prone rats

Objective: Black tea (Camellia sinensis) may have anticariogenic properties. The present study was designed to determine whether consumption of black tea influences cariogenesis in young, caries-prone rats. Method and materials: Eighteen-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 24; eight per group) fed a cariogenic diet (MIT 200) were randomly assigned to three groups to receive deionized, distilled fluoride-free water, tea, or fluoridated water (25 ppm), ad libitum, for 14 days. In addition, an initial control group of rats was studied at 20 days of age. Teeth were stained with silver nitrate to detect caries and cut mesiodistally. First and second molars were assessed for caries. Results: The initial control group had negligible caries. Caries-prone rats consuming fluoride-free water had significantly more caries lesions (6.75) than did the tea (3.12) and the fluoridated water (0.85) groups. Conclusion: Consumption of black tea for 2 weeks attenuated development and progression of caries in caries-prone young rats.