Pumpkin spiced latte season is well and truly here, with the smell of cinnamon, nutmeg and coffee filling the air. As tempting as it is to indulge in your favourite pumpkin spiced coffee or flavoured hot chocolate as the cold weather creeps in, it's important to think about how these popular autumnal drinks can affect your dental health—especially when it comes to coffee and teeth staining.
In this blog, we'll explore how your favourite autumnal drink may be impacting your teeth, how to avoid coffee stains on your teeth or poor dental health brought on by sugar while still enjoying your seasonal favourites. Lastly, keep your smile bright and avoid dental damage by following our simple tips for enjoying your staple beverage this autumn.
Can my favourite autumnal drink damage my teeth?
The short answer is yes, your favourite autumnal drink is most likely doing more harm than good to your teeth and gums.
This year, coffee shops are serving up a variety of autumnal drinks to try, with flavours like amaretto, pumpkin spice, salted maple and caramel making the rounds at our favourite coffee shops.
While these hot autumn drinks are tasty, they are also high in sugar, which is harmful to your teeth. Too much sugar can cause cavities and weaken your enamel, increasing the risk of stains and tooth decay. Furthermore, research conducted in Saudi Arabia suggests that coffee that is high in sugar, is in fact more damaging for your teeth than an unsweetened beverage. Indicating that the added sugar in a pumpkin spiced latte can enhance the staining effect of your hot beverage as well as causing tooth decay.
Can pumpkin spiced coffee stain your teeth?
Just like any coffee, pumpkin spiced coffee can contribute to teeth staining. Coffee contains tannins, which are compounds that cause pigments to stick to your enamel, leading to discolouration over time.
Coffee also contains chromogens, which are also found in hot chocolate, red wine, tea and fizzy drinks, like cola. Chromogens are a chemical compound that can stain teeth by sticking to tooth enamel, just like tannins.
Does hot chocolate stain teeth?
If you're someone who opts for a hot chocolate to avoid the tannins in coffee, you're in for some bad news. Hot chocolate contains both sugar and chromogens, which, as discussed earlier, contribute to enamel staining and decay. So, while hot chocolate is a delicious treat during autumn and winter, it can lead to the same dental issues as coffee if consumed frequently.
How to prevent coffee stains on teeth
Rest assured; we're not suggesting you abstain completely from a seasonal drink. After all, many of us drink sugary beverages throughout the year, not just in the autumn months.
We suggest instead opting for a low-sugar pumpkin spiced latte, or alternative, and make sure you add milk to your drink, to reduce the risk of staining.
Here are some other top tips to help keep coffee from staining teeth while still enjoying your favourite autumn beverages:
Opt for low-sugar or milk-based drinks
As mentioned, adding milk to your coffee can reduce staining. Milk proteins help counteract the staining effects of tannins, by binding to them so they cannot affect your enamel and choosing low-sugar pumpkin spiced lattes will also reduce the risk of decay.
Drink iced coffee instead of hot
If you don't mind holding a chilled drink in the cold weather, we would suggest opting for an iced version of your autumnal favourite. Research shows iced coffee may cause less staining to teeth than hot drinks, with a sugar-free, cold coffee being the best option and having the least impact on your dental health.
Rinse with water after drinking
Rinse your mouth with water after enjoying a pumpkin spiced coffee or any other hot drinks for autumn to wash away the some of the tannins, chromogens and sugar, preventing them from settling on your enamel.
Brush your teeth... But wait 30 minutes
Lastly, we suggest giving your teeth a clean after consuming your pumpkin spiced latte. If you intend to brush, wait about 30 minutes after you've finished your beverage, as brushing too soon after sugary or acidic drink can cause damage to your teeth.
Pumpkin spiced lattes, hot autumn drinks and all those delicious autumnal flavours are a seasonal treat we all love. By making sensible choices—such as opting for low-sugar versions, adding milk, or choosing iced drinks - you can still enjoy your favourite autumnal beverages while taking steps to protect your teeth.