Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice, Maybe Not for Your Teeth!

It probably comes as no surprise that the Pumpkin Spice Latte is Starbucks’ most popular seasonal drink of all time.  Everything about the pumpkin’s color, aroma, and savory flavor screams fall. Every year coffee enthusiasts eagerly await the release of this highly anticipated beverage, then flock to the coffee shop as soon as it becomes available. At least that is how it has gone for the better part of the last 13 years, since its inception in 2003.

But the Pumpkin Spice Latte isn’t your average cup o’ joe. Recently, the beloved concoction has come under fire for the large amount of calories (380) and sugar (50g) it contains. Health and fitness professionals are urging people to consume it like they would any other dessert: in moderation. And while most health professionals are worried about the damage the PSL can do to people’s waistlines, dentists are more concerned with the impact it could have on their patients’ teeth.

The bad news is that any way you look at it, the amount of sugar in your beloved Pumpkin Spice Latte, along with the length of time you spend sipping it down, is a recipe for tooth decay. The good news is that you can still satisfy your basic fall craving for pumpkin goodness by preparing and consuming it in different, delicious, healthier ways — and actually improve your dental and overall health while doing it.

Health benefits related to consuming pumpkin are plentiful. This vitamin-packed fruit can please both your nutrition/fitness professional and your dentist by protecting your teeth and whole health. Pumpkin provides:

Zinc: Zinc is your mouth’s best friend. It plays a key role in healing wounds, which does wonders for damaged soft tissues inside your mouth, or gums that are healing from gingivitis-induced bleeding.

Vitamin A: Vitamin A aids in the flow of saliva, which is key for washing bacteria from the mouth. It also plays a key role in healing soft tissues.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C is key for maintaining a healthy immune system and fighting off infections. It’s good for your mouth and your overall health.

Magnesium: Magnesium and calcium work together to create strong, protective enamel that can resist decay. Without the proper amount of Magnesium in your diet, your enamel becomes soft and susceptible to cavities.

Fiber: Pumpkins are packed with fiber, which is important for maintaining great overall health. Fiber helps with weight control, and because fiber-rich foods help stimulate the flow of saliva (your best natural defense against tooth decay).

The five most noteworthy ways pumpkin spice lattes affect your teeth:

1. Jitters – Coffee contains high levels of caffeine. A large volume of caffeine in your diet can lead to teeth clenching and tightening of the jaw.  Furthermore, tooth sensitivity, cracked teeth and jaw pain are just a few possible dental problems.

2. Sugar Shock – Pumpkin spice lattes typically have more than 12 teaspoons of sugar. That’s more than double the recommended daily limit per person. Yikes! All that sugar sticks to your teeth and if it’s not brushed away, it can quickly be the culprit to cavities.

3. Coffee Breath – As coffee sticks to your tongue, bacteria grows and causes bad breath (Halitosis) and various other dental problems. Therefore, adding a tongue scraper to your normal dental care routine helps cut down on the build-up and keeps bad breath at bay.

4. The Dark Side –  Your enamel is porous and coffee can enter the tiny gaps and cause tooth discoloration. This is where teeth whitening treatments come in. Even a rigorous home oral hygiene routine may not be enough to combat the staining effects due to drinking coffee.

5. Breakdown – The acid in coffee can wear away the enamel on your teeth. This process weakens the enamel and as a result leaves your teeth more prone to decay.

As a coffee lover myself, I would dare tell you to throw it out altogether but rather remind you that moderation is key. If you are looking for a way to get your pumpkin fix this season while also keeping your teeth and physique fit, minimize or eliminate the sugar. Consider replacing your daily spiced latte with these healthy pumpkin options rather than indulging in a PSL too often:

Pumpkin seeds: These baked snacks are packed with flavor and good-for-your-teeth vitamins. They are easy to prepare and pack for lunch or an in-between-meal snack.

Pumpkin smoothie: Incorporate canned pumpkin into your breakfast or workout smoothie. It pairs well with coconut milk and almond butter. Transform your breakfast into a healthy liquid version of the traditional pumpkin pie by throwing in some pumpkin spice and maple syrup!

Baked pumpkin:  You can also make a tasty meal out of pumpkin by simply baking it with cinnamon and adding a little bit of butter. Pumpkin works as the main course but is also perfect as a side dish.

Pumpkin seed oil: Another easy way to enjoy the health benefits that pumpkin has to offer is by incorporating pumpkin seed oil into your cooking. It adds a nutty seasonal taste to whatever dish you are preparing and is perfect for keeping you in that seasonal holiday mood.

You don’t have to swear off your favorite Fall drink for good either, just because you’re dedicated to your physical and dental health. It just means taming your daily addiction and satisfying your pumpkin craving with snacks and dishes that are low in sugar and high in vitamin-rich goodness.

This is the perfect time to talk to CarolinasDentist to find out more about how you protect your oral health through the holiday season, call us today or schedule an appointment online !