Individuals taking measures to prevent needing emergency dentistry could drink black tea to stop the development of potentially harmful bacteria.
Dr Carrie Ruxton from the Tea Adivisory Panel has urged people to drink the beverage on a regular basis in a bid to kill bacteria in the mouth that could lead to problems.
Her advice comes after researchers claimed that black tea offers the same range of health benefits as green because they are derived from the same plant, Camellia sinensis.
The findings, set to be published in Network Health Dieticians, also suggest that the product could improve cardiovascular health and prevent diabetes.
Ms Ruxton stated that drinking tea was a significant part of British culture where people like to sit down with a cup, relax and catch up on the latest events.
"Tea [contains] flavonoids have [that] potent anti-bacterial properties and can kill bacteria in the mouth which cause tooth decay. Tea also contains some fluoride which protects tooth enamel." 