Are Hot Drinks Bad For My Teeth? Hear What a Dentist Has To Say

The official Pumpkin Spice Latte (or PSL) was officially invented in 2003 and more than 200 million were sold between 2003 and 2015. These popular drinks are just one of the seasonal hot beverages people enjoy during the colder months of the year. In fact, some people wouldn’t feel like it’s autumn without them! But one question many people have for their dentist is, “Are hot drinks bad for my teeth?” Find out below and learn how you can keep your smile healthy while still enjoying your favorite fall drinks.

How Do Hot Drinks Affect Your Teeth?

Your enamel is the hardest substance in your body but, unfortunately, it’s not indestructible. Here are several types of hot beverages and how they impact your teeth:

• Coffee – Since coffee is sugar-free, it’s certainly less harmful than other choices. However, even plain coffee contains acids that wear away at your enamel over time. It’s also notorious for causing stains and discoloration.
• Lattes with sugar (including PSLs) – These types of drinks are a “double whammy” on your teeth because they contain both sugar and acids. If you drink them too frequently and don’t maintain good oral hygiene, you’ll greatly increase your risk of cavities.
• Hot chocolate – Since hot chocolate is usually high in sugar, it also puts your teeth at risk for decay.
• Black tea – In some ways, tea is actually good for your teeth because it fights cavity-causing bacteria. The only downside is that it has tannins that cause stains and discoloration.

How Can You Enjoy Hot Drinks Without Harming Your Teeth?

It’s completely fine to enjoy a hot beverage each day, but try not to drink more than one (or two at the most). You can also use these tips to counteract the impact:

• Rinse with plain water – After having a sugary hot beverage, swish with water several times to wash away any residues that can damage your teeth.
• Don’t brush right away – Acids and sugars temporarily soften your enamel, so brushing immediately can actually do more harm than good. Rinse with water and wait about 20 minutes before you brush.
• Get regular checkups – With regular checkups, your teeth will be closely monitored so a dentist can find cavities when they’re very small and easy to fix.
• Chew sugarless gum – Sugar-free gum increases salivary flow and neutralizes acids to reduce your risk of cavities.
• Use topical fluoride – Use a fluoride (also called anti-cavity) mouthwash after brushing and flossing to strengthen your enamel and prevent decay.

Enjoying hot drinks as the weather turns colder is one of the best parts of the changing seasons. And, with these tips and tricks, you won’t have to give them up to maintain a healthy smile!

About the Author

Dr. Jacob Stines is a family dentist and a native of Grand Island. He knows how much his patients’ everyday habits add up over time and always educates them about lessening the negative impact on their oral health. If you have any questions about hot drinks or your dental health in general, he can be reached via his website.