Fall is here, bringing chilly days and warm, comforting drinks. While these seasonal sips are tasty, some can potentially damage your oral health. We wanted to take a look at fall beverages that might put your smile at risk. Knowing which drinks to watch out for can help you make smarter choices for your smile.

Here are some popular fall beverages that could affect your dental health:

  • Pumpkin Spice Latte

This fall staple is often loaded with sugar. The syrup used to flavor it is sweet and sticky. This can cling to your teeth, feeding bacteria that cause cavities. The milk in it is good for your teeth, but the sugar can outweigh the benefits.

Try this: Ask for less syrup and omit the whipped cream. You’ll still get that pumpkin flavor without as much sugar.

  • Hot Chocolate

Who doesn’t love a steaming cup of cocoa on a cool day? But hot chocolate is usually high in sugar. Some versions also have sticky marshmallows or whipped cream. These extras can increase your risk of cavities.

Try this: Make your own at home with less sugar. Use dark chocolate for a richer taste with less sweetness.

  • Caramel Apple Cider

This drink combines two cavity-causing ingredients: sugar and acid. The caramel is sticky and sweet, while the cider is acidic. Together, they can weaken your tooth enamel and lead to decay.

Try this: Enjoy plain apple cider instead. It’s still acidic, so rinse with water afterward.

  • Mulled Wine

Wine can stain your teeth over time. The acid in wine can also wear away your tooth enamel. Adding spices and sugar for mulled wine can increase the risk to your smile.

Try this: Enjoy in moderation. Rinse with water between sips to help wash away the acid.

  • Chai Tea Latte

While tea can be good for your teeth, chai lattes often come with lots of sugar. The sweet, spicy mix can hide just how much sugar you’re drinking.

Try this: Ask for less syrup or try plain chai tea with a splash of milk.

  • Eggnog

This holiday favorite is high in sugar. It’s also thick and creamy, which means it can stick to your teeth for a long time.

Try this: Enjoy small portions. Rinse your mouth with water after drinking.

  • Hot Toddy

This warm, alcoholic drink often contains honey or sugar. The mix of sugar and alcohol can dry out your mouth, which isn’t good for your teeth.

Try this: If you enjoy this drink, have plenty of water too. This helps rinse your mouth and keeps you hydrated.

Remember, you don’t have to give up these drinks completely. Here are some tips to help 

protect your teeth when enjoying fall beverages:

  • Use a straw when possible to help the liquid bypass your teeth.
  • Rinse your mouth with water after drinking.
  • Don’t sip all day. Enjoy your drink with a meal instead.
  • Wait about 30 minutes before brushing after acidic drinks.
  • Choose sugar-free options when you can.

Fall is a great time to enjoy special drinks. But it’s also important to think about your teeth. By making smart choices, you can keep your smile healthy while still enjoying the flavors of the season.

Want to make sure your teeth stay healthy this fall and beyond? Come see us for a checkup. We can check your teeth and give you more tips on how to enjoy your favorite treats while keeping your smile bright. If you’ve noticed any stains from your fall drinks, we can help with that too.

To schedule a free consultation with Rod Eccles, DDS, call us today at 317-682-0884 or ”schedule.