How Your Pumpkin Spice Obsession is Hurting Your Smile
Posted on 2/21/2022 by Dr. John Abajian
It's that time of year again when pumpkin spice everything takes over the shelves at your local grocery store. From coffee to cookies, there's no escaping the popular autumn flavor. While you may enjoy the taste of pumpkin spice, it could be doing some damage to your teeth.
How popular is pumpkin spice?
Pumpkin spice is a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. While these spices may smell good, they can be harmful to your teeth. Cinnamon and cloves are both acidic and can break down tooth enamel. And ginger can be abrasive and cause gum irritation.
In 2019, Google searches for “pumpkin spice” hit an all-time high. And it's not just food and drinks that are flavored with pumpkin spice. You can now find candles, air fresheners, and even soap in the popular scent.
Pumpkin Spice and Your Teeth
Pumpkin spice lattes are a popular fall treat, but they can also be damaging to your teeth. The coffee drink is often loaded with sugar, leading to tooth decay. And the acidity in the coffee can erode tooth enamel. So if you do enjoy pumpkin spice lattes, be sure to brush your teeth afterward.
Pumpkin spice isn't just found in coffee drinks. The flavor is also popular in baked goods and other desserts. Unfortunately, while these treats may taste good, they're often high in sugar and calories. Eating too many sugary foods can damage your teeth and contribute to weight gain. So if you're trying to watch your waistline this fall, pumpkin spice desserts may not be the best choice.
How to Enjoy Pumpkin Spice Without harming Your Teeth
If you're a fan of pumpkin spice, there are ways to enjoy the flavor without harming your teeth. For example, instead of drinking sugary lattes, try making a homemade pumpkin spice latte with unsweetened almond milk. You can also bake pumpkin spice muffins or cookies using less sugar than the recipe calls for. And be sure to brush your teeth after eating any sugary foods. You can enjoy pumpkin spice without damaging your smile by following these tips.
If you're one of the many people who can't get enough pumpkin spice this season, be sure to brush your teeth and drink lots of water. By taking these simple precautions, you can enjoy all of your favorite autumns treats without harming your smile. Thanks for reading!
Esthetic Smiles - Dr. John Abajian, DDS, 1901 N. Solar Dr. Suite 135, Oxnard, CA 93036 ~ 805-365-4222 ~ myestheticsmile.com ~ 12/1/2024 ~ Tags: dentist Oxnard CA ~
It's that time of year again when pumpkin spice everything takes over the shelves at your local grocery store. From coffee to cookies, there's no escaping the popular autumn flavor. While you may enjoy the taste of pumpkin spice, it could be doing some damage to your teeth.