These popular autumnal drinks can ruin your teeth, dentist warns
Nothing says ‘autumn’ quite like warming your hands around a mug of your favourite hot drink. However, some of the season’s most popular drinks could be damaging your teeth, a dentist has warned.
From the ever-trendy pumpkin spice latte to the more Christmassy mulled wine, hot drinks evoke feelings of cosiness and are a real tasty treat in the colder months, but they tend to contain a lot of sugar, as well as caffeine.
For instance, Starbucks’ PSL in a venti size contains 42.3g of sugar, while a large PSL from Greggs contains 25g. The NHS recommends adults consume no more than 30g of free sugars per day, which includes added sugars like table sugar, honey and syrups.
The sugar overload isn’t just bad for overall health, it can also wreak havoc on your skin - and teeth.
Expert dentist Dr Zaeem Jafri, of Ordo, explains which treats you should consider avoiding this autumn for a healthier smile.
Pumpkin spice lattes
Some of our favourite hot drinks, like a Pumpkin Spiced Latte, contain up to 50g of sugar which is approximately double the recommended daily intake. "Consuming this level of sugar produces unhealthy acids which soften the protective enamel on teeth, making them more vulnerable to tooth decay," Dr Jafri warns. "If you do enjoy a trip to Starbucks for this seasonal hot drink, just make sure it doesn’t become a daily habit!"
Mulled wine
A slightly more wintery drink, mulled wine is a popular choice for the cold months. "However, a mulled wine can cause tooth staining and it can also dehydrate your mouth," Dr Jafri explains. "Alcohol reduces the amount of saliva in your mouth which is essential for rinsing out the harmful bacteria that often sticks to your teeth. Again, this should be an occasional treat and make sure to drink some water afterwards to rinse your mouth.”
Extra hot coffee
With such cold weather ahead, many people will be reaching for steaming hot drinks. And, for some people, an ‘extra-hot’ drink is the go to choice. "Just remember to let your winter warmers cool down before tucking in, as if it’s cold outside and you’re consuming something that’s too hot, the shock temperature can cause cracks in your enamel, which leads to increased sensitivity and pain if not properly managed," Dr Jafri says.
Toffee-flavoured drinks
Toffee is another popular choice for autumn drinks from a toffee latte, to a buttered toffee cocktail. But Dr Jafri says the sticky texture of the sauce will remain on your teeth and cause a build-up of bacteria "This build up can lead to tooth decay, gum recession and even tooth loss," he says. "If you’re going to be tucking into any toffee treats this Autumn season, make sure to rinse your mouth with water and floss regularly to avoid damage."
What can I do to protect my teeth after a sugary drink?
It’s OK to treat yourself to a delicious autumnal drink every now and then. When you do indulge, dentists recommend following up with tips to help protect your teeth:
Drink plenty of water
Drinking lots of water helps wash away sugar residue on the teeth, as well as plaque build-up.
Brush your teeth
Brushing your teeth after eating or drinking sugary foods is a good habit, but don’t do it immediately. Wait at least an hour after consuming something sweet to brush your teeth - otherwise, you may just be helping the sugar cause more damage.
Chew sugar-free gum
Chewing gum helps promote the production of saliva in the mouth, which can help dissolve the sugar and remove it from the teeth. Sugar-free gum is the best thing to chew after consuming anything sweet.
Read more about oral care:
Dentist says one mistake leads to teeth turning yellow (BristolLive, 2-min read)
Dentist reveals why women experience more teeth issues than men (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read)
Is Teeth Scaling Safe? Dentists Warn Against Trying The TikTok Trend At Home. (HuffPost, 3-min read)
