The Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) has become a fall staple and who could blame a person for wanting this delicious, warm drink as the days start to cool? If you head to any local coffee shop, they’ll be sure to have this tasty beverage on the menu. But as good as these drinks smell and taste, the high sugar content plus coffee are bad for the look and health of your teeth.
Why Pumpkin Spice Lattes are harmful to your oral health
Lots of Sugar
Part of the reason PSLs taste so good is all the sugar they’re made with! But consuming foods and drinks with high sugar content is one of the biggest contributors to tooth decay. Your mouth is full of bacteria, both good and bad, and the harmful bacteria feed on sugar and produce acid as a byproduct. This acid erodes the tooth enamel and the more sugar we consume, the more damage our teeth take leading to cavities. If left untreated, these cavities can create holes in your teeth causing pain and eventual tooth loss.
Coffee
When you touch the surface of your teeth, the enamel might feel like a smooth layer on the top of your teeth but in fact, there are microscopic pits, holes, and ridges. Coffee is rich in a chemical called tannis, which if allowed to sit on the ridges of the teeth, give your teeth a stained, yellow look. Furthermore, coffee consumption can causes halitosis (bad breath) because of its strong scent and tendency to stick to your tongue.
How to Enjoy the PSL Without Damaging Your Teeth
Moderation
You don’t have to completely give up pumpkin spice lattes to maintain your oral health. Like any other sweet treat, Pumpkin Spice Lattes won’t damage your teeth when consumed in moderation. By being aware of the sugar content in a PSL, you can plan accordingly to reduce sugar elsewhere in your diet.
Proper Oral Health
As always, the most important part of maintaining a healthy mouth is to have a proper oral health routine. After you finish your pumpkin spice latte, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash so that the sugar doesn’t sit on your teeth. However, wait at least an hour after finishing your drink or food before brushing your teeth as brushing too soon can actually harm your teeth. And finally, be sure to schedule a check-up with your local dentist at least twice per year!
About DiGrazia Family Dentistry in Reno, NV
At DiGrazia Family Dentistry, we pride ourselves on providing exceptional dental care. Dr. DiGrazia and our team are dedicated to our patient’s oral health. If you would like to learn more about how you can improve your oral health through your diet, contact us by filling out our contact form or by calling us at (775) 786-2077.
