Cosy season has arrived - bringing autumnal treats with it as we all look to find comfort in warming spiced lattes or sweet flavoured hot chocolates. Let's face it - as the temperature drops, getting out for our daily exercise is much more enjoyable with our hands wrapped around a steaming takeaway cup of coffee or tea, isn't it?
But a leading dentist has warned that regularly indulging in the sweet treats coffee chains tempt us with in the colder months could be damaging our teeth. Dr Khaled Kasem, the chief orthodontist at Europe's leading orthodontic chain Impress, has revealed the drinks and snacks we should be careful of - and how we can protect our teeth when we do indulge.
“The most common reason some of our favourite autumn/winter treats are so damaging to our teeth is the sheer amount of excessive sugar they contain," Dr Kasem warned. "While some sugar is essential in our diets to give us energy, regularly consuming a lot of sugar leads to excessive acid production, which damages our teeth by causing cavities.”
Here are some of the treats you should look out for.
Flavoured coffee/hot chocolate is full of sugar
Pumpkin spiced lattes, gingerbread chai lattes, and hot chocolate are all firm favourites over the autumn/winter period for keeping us warm, but it’s important to limit your intake and avoid regularly reaching for the flavoured syrups.
That’s because some of our favourite hot drinks contain up to 60g of sugar (which is approximately DOUBLE our recommended daily intake) and consuming too much sugar produces unhealthy acids which soften the protective enamel on your teeth, making them more vulnerable to tooth decay.
Dr Kasem said: “We’re not saying you can’t enjoy a festive drink, but we’d advise you to make them a treat rather than a part of your daily routine. Drink water between beverages, as water helps to neutralise your mouth and clean out the contents, preventing any nasty bacteria from sticking to your teeth.”
Warm alcoholic beverages will dry out your mouth
If you’re heading out to a bonfire or getting geared up for the Christmas markets, warm alcoholic drinks such as Irish coffee and mulled wine are a popular choice – just watch out for how much you’re drinking.
Not only do these drinks cause tooth staining, but they also dehydrate your mouth, Dr Kasem warns. "The alcohol in these drinks will reduce the amount of saliva your mouth is producing, which is essential for rinsing out the harmful bacteria that often sticks to your teeth – a reduced amount of saliva over time can lead to tooth decay and other infections, so, again, make these drinks a treat rather than a regular comfort.”
Pumpkin soup is full of health benefits - just make sure it’s not too hot
Dr Kasem said: “With the scary season upon us, pumpkin spice is a popular flavour amongst us all. Pumpkin (without added sugar and fats) has many benefits on your mouth, not only does the Vitamin C help to fight off infections, but the levels of magnesium and calcium can help to strengthen enamel.
"Perhaps the best benefit of them all though is that pumpkin contains high levels of zinc, which can help to heal wounds found in the mouth (such as damaged tissue and bleeding gums) – so pumpkin soup should definitely be on your list of winter warming treats.
“Just remember to let your winter warming soup 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.”
Toffee is tasty - but troublesome
Toffee apples are a tasty treat in winter months, and while an apple a day is good for you, the toffee sauce surrounding it can be damaging, Dr Kasem says.
"Like with sticky toffee pudding, the sauce is sticky and will remain on your teeth, causing a build-up of bacteria which can lead to tooth decay, gum recession and even tooth loss. Make sure that every time you tuck into toffee you thoroughly rinse your mouth with water and brush/floss regularly to remove any damaging bacteria."
Avoid the sour sweets when trick or treating
“Sour sweets contain different types of acid that are much tougher on your teeth than regular sweets, so avoid these if possible. Plus, because they’re chewy they often get stuck in your teeth, which leads to tooth decay in the long-term," Dr Kasem said.
“Now that summer is over, it’s no surprise we like to find comfort in a tasty treat – but that’s what they should be – a treat. As long as you ensure to drink plenty of water and brush/floss regularly, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy some of your fall favourites.”
