Four tips to protect your teeth against hot drinks this Autumn

October’s here, which means summer is over and it’s time to get ready for the cold weather again.

A cup of tea or a hot chocolate might be just the thing to keep you warm on these cold Autumn days. However, did you know that hot drinks like tea, coffee and hot chocolate can be bad for your smile? Tea, for example, can discolour your teeth, while hot chocolate can increase your risk of cavities.

In this post, we’ll give you four tips on how to enjoy hot drinks this Autumn without spoiling your teeth.

Don’t put sugar in your drinks

Lots of people like to put sugar in their drinks. Whether it’s a spoon of sugar in your cup of tea or a generous amount of syrup in your coffee, there are lots of ways to put sugar in your beverages.

As we all know though, sugar is bad for your teeth. This is because the bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar, and in turn, they produce plaque. This plaque can lead to cavities.

So, it’s best to cut out sugar from your hot drinks, if possible. Why not try a sugar substitute instead?

Don’t drink hot chocolate

While we’re on the subject of sugar, we need to talk about hot chocolate. It’s a fact that many people love hot chocolate, especially children. It’s a beverage that everyone enjoys, especially in Autumn and Winter.

However, hot chocolate is very high in sugar. This means that drinking too much hot chocolate can cause plaque, which can, of course, lead to cavities.

Ideally, you should avoid hot chocolate altogether, for the health of your teeth. In reality, though, you can enjoy the odd hot chocolate now and then – just make sure to brush your teeth twice a day.

Substitute black tea for herbal tea

Not only is tea relaxing, but tea is also a great way to warm yourself up on a cold Autumn’s day.

However, did you know that tea can stain your teeth? Tea contains tannins, which is a compound that gives the drink its black colour. Other foods that contain tannins are red wine and dark chocolate.

If you are a tea drinker, then you might find that your teeth have become yellow or even brown. This is due to the tannins in the tea.

If you would like stain-free teeth while still being able to enjoy tea, then try switching to green or herbal tea instead. They contain fewer tannins than black tea, which means they won’t stain your teeth as much.

Visit your dentist often

Finally, one of the best ways to protect your teeth from hot drinks this Autumn is to see a dentist for a routine checkup. Your dentist will check your teeth and gums to see if any potential problems are developing. You will also get advice tailored to your situation.

If you would like to book a dentist appointment with us, then just call our friendly reception team. They will be more than happy to make an appointment for you.

From all of us here at Willows – we hope you have a great Autumn!

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