It’s that time of year again when leaves change colors, sandals are traded in for boots, and your favorite iced tea is replaced with pumpkin spiced lattes and hot chocolate. As the seasons quickly morph from summer to fall, you may be embracing all there is to love about the cooler temperatures, but did you know certain treats you’re enjoying could be harming your teeth? A local dentist explains how your favorite hot drinks can deal a difficult blow to your oral health and what you should do as you make your way through the coming months.
The Hard Truth About Hot Drinks
If you were to survey a majority of individuals to find out what the most popular beverage associated with fall is, you’d probably hear everything from pumpkin spiced lattes, hot cocoa, and apple cider. While none of these are similar in taste, there is one thing they all have in common – they’re warm. If you’ve yet to ask the question, “Are hot drinks bad for my teeth,” it’s time to take a hard look at how these delicious and comfort-inducing beverages can spell disaster for your teeth.
- They cause stains. When drinking too many dark-colored beverages, you can expect to notice significant stains and discoloration over time. The remnants of these drinks can cause your teeth to turn yellow and leave you with an unhealthy, unappealing smile. While brushing might help to lift some surface stains, once they set in beneath the enamel, the only way to blast them away is within teeth whitening.
- They can put you at risk for tooth decay. Many of your favorite fall beverages likely have a fair amount of sugar in them. If this is the case, you are taking a risk with every sip. Any remnants of your beverage left on your teeth can cause plaque-causing bacteria to form and eat away at your tooth enamel. Over time, this will create a hole, also known as a cavity.
How to Avoid an Unhealthy Smile
It’s not easy avoiding or trading in your favorite hot beverage for one less appealing, and your dentist understands that. However, if you want to minimize the chances of spending additional time and money seated in the dentist’s chair undergoing restorative treatment to fix a cavity, there are some things you’ll need to do, such as:
- Practicing good oral habits at home. This includes brushing twice daily for two minutes using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Flossing at least once a day, preferably before bed
- Rinsing with an ADA-approved mouthwash
- Keeping your regular dental checkups and cleanings every six months
- Use a straw if you simply cannot avoid your favorite drink. This will minimize the amount of liquid that comes into contact with your teeth.
- Try to avoid as much sugar as possible and look for alternative solutions to help sweeten your drink (i.e. Xylitol, certain sugar substitutes)
- Drink plenty of water to flush away any sugars or particles that may try to adhere to your teeth and cause cavities or staining
Fall is a great time of year with much to be enjoyed. Just remember to be mindful of the foods and beverages you consume as the holidays approach, so you can have a healthy, and photo-ready smile.
About the Author
Dr. James Moreau graduated from the LSU School of Dentistry in 1980. Developing MoreSMILES as a preventative and advanced restorative practice, he helps patients with varying dental needs. Providing regular dental checkups and cleanings and offering valuable patient education, he and his team are equipped to give patients tips and techniques on how to care for their teeth and gums year-round. If you find it difficult to pass up your favorite fall beverage but want to minimize the effects it might have on your teeth, please contact us at (985) 809-7645 today to find out how we can help.