As the weather gets cooler during the fall, there’s nothing like a pumpkin spice latte or other hot drinks to make you feel nice and warm again. But you might not realize that those comforting sips could be doing more damage to your teeth than you think. Read on to learn 3 effects that those warm beverages could be having on your smile – as well as some tips for keeping them under control!
1. Cavities
Sugar tends to find its way into a lot of hot beverages, whether it’s an ingredient (such as with pumpkin spice lattes and hot chocolate) or an addition (such as with coffee and tea). You probably don’t need to be told that too much sugar can lead to tooth decay. What you may not be aware of is that when a hot liquid cools down, it tends to stick to the teeth; this can trap the sugar it contains on your tooth enamel, creating a greater risk of cavities.
2. Tooth Sensitivity
Decayed tooth enamel can lead to several different side effects, and in many cases one of the most obvious is increased tooth sensitivity. You may start to find that those hot drinks cause you to wince in pain whenever they come in contact with your pearly whites; cold foods and beverages will have a similar effect. Of course, there are many different reasons why your teeth may have suddenly become sensitive, but sugar-filled beverages certainly won’t help.
3. Stains and Discoloration
Because your tooth’s enamel is actually porous, particles from the beverages you drink can become trapped inside. Since pumpkin spice lattes, coffee and other common hot beverages tend to be dark in color, they’ll create a colored or stained appearance if they’re allowed to sit in the holes in your tooth without being removed.
What Can You Do About These Problems?
Now that you know the answer to the question “Are hot drinks bad for my teeth?”, you need to decide what to do next. Of course, for many people, giving up pumpkin spice lattes and hot chocolate altogether simply isn’t an option! Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can mitigate the problems that hot drinks can cause:
- Drink them through a straw. That way, the staining liquid and the sugar it contains won’t touch your teeth as much.
- After you’ve finished your drink, follow it up with some water to wash away the particles that are still in your mouth.
- Brush at least twice a day and floss daily to keep your pearly whites as clean as possible.
- See your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups.
By being fully aware of exactly what you’re putting in your mouth and taking appropriate steps to reduce the risk factors, you can continue to curl up with your favorite hot drinks while still enjoying life with a healthy, beautiful smile!
About the Author
Dr. Bradley Mitchell earned his dental degree from the University of Oklahoma and is a member of the Oklahoma Dental Association. He enjoys the opportunity to improve the health and well-being of others, whether that means treating cavities or brightening smiles. If you have any concerns about how the food and drinks you consume might be affecting your oral health, you can make an appointment at his Oklahoma City practice, Mitchell Smile Design, by visiting his website or calling (405) 755-2670.
