When the cold weather is approaching there is no better
thing than a hot beverage to warm up your heart and your body. Now you may be
surprised to learn that there are some winter beverages that are not only
delicious but also good for your teeth. This article aims to present six
mouth-watering winter drinks that are that are also beneficial in maintaining
oral health. Well, let’s submerge ourselves in a journey of fun and find out
these poultry products or should I say, toothsome sweets.
1. Green Tea
Green tea is a beverage that everyone always associates with
winter. It is quite neutral in terms of taste, warm, and is very nutritious and
is preferred during cold periods.
Dental Benefits:
i. Rich in Fluoride: A natural source of fluoride that is
found in green tea helps to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce the chances of
developing cavities.
ii. Antibacterial Properties: Epigallocatechin gallate and
other catechins in green tea can neutralize bacteria in the oral cavity that
cause inflammation and foul odor in the mouth.
iii. Reduces Plaque: Daily intake can ensure that plaque
does not accumulate on teeth so that they remain clean and healthy.
Serving Tip:
Squeeze a little bit of lemon depending on your preference
for vitamin C and taste. Avoid adding sugar because this drink has the
potential to promote oral health when prepared without sugar.
2. Turmeric Latte (Golden Milk)
Turmeric latte, also called golden milk, is a delicious warm
beverage containing milk, turmeric and optional spices such as cinnamon and
ginger. It is usually preferred during winter due to its warming and
anti-inflammatory effects.
Dental Benefits:
i. Anti-Inflammatory: These properties make turmeric good
for the treatment of gingivitis since its active compound, curcumin, works to
decrease inflammation in the gums.
ii. Antibacterial: This is because it prevents bacterial
growth in the mouth hence discouraging the formation of dental plagues and
cavities.
iii. Calcium Boost: When prepared using milk, it contains
calcium hence promoting strong teeth health among the consumers.
Serving Tip:
Avoid the use of regular milk and unnecessary additives such
as sugar instead, make use of natural sweeteners like honey or stevia.
3. Hot Chocolate (Made with Dark Chocolate)
Hot chocolate is a perfect beverage to enjoy during the
winter because of the comfort that comes with it and the experience in one cup.
Besides being yummy, it becomes healthier when prepared using dark chocolate.
Dental Benefits:
i. Polyphenols in Dark Chocolate: These compounds eliminate
oral bacteria leading to decrease in the formation of cavities and gum diseases.
ii. Phosphates: Dark chocolate also has high phosphate
substances that can fight acids on the teeth’s surface thereby preserving
enamel.
iii. Less Sugar, Better Health: To retain this dental
advantage, it is recommended to prefer dark chocolate with low amounts of
sugar.
Serving Tip:
For a creamier consistency, use almond or oat milk that is
unsweetened and sprinkle cinnamon to make it warmer.
4. Peppermint Tea
Because peppermint tea is highly aromatic and provides the
palate with a pleasant taste, it complements the cold weather well. It is free
from caffeine which makes it suitable for consumption at night.
Dental Benefits:
i. Freshens Breath: Peppermint is effective in eliminating
bad breath since its oils are natural.
ii. Antimicrobial Properties: It assists in clearing out
oral bacteria, thus minimizing the chances of developing cavities and gum-related
infections.
iii. Soothes Sore Gums: The component called menthol found
in peppermint offers a tingling effect to the gums that help ease any
soreness.
Serving Tip:
To enjoy the best taste and health benefits, use fresh
peppermint leaves and steep them properly, and do not sweeten them to preserve healthy teeth.
5. Cranberry Juice (Unsweetened and Warmed)
Cranberry juice is a rather peculiar winter drink as it is
highly acidic and tart, and this combined with spicing it with cinnamon and
nutmeg can produce a truly warm drink.
Dental Benefits:
i. Fights Bacteria: Cranberries have proanthocyanidins,
which are effective in preventing bacteria from adhering to the teeth and
forming cavities and plaque.
ii. Rich in Vitamin C: This improves the health of the gums
and assists in warding off infections.
iii. Anti-Inflammatory: It is gentle on the gum line and has
natural compounds that reduce inflammation.
Serving Tip:
It is recommended to keep the juice as natural as
possible; therefore, get 100% cranberry juice and warm it up with a dash of
orange juice or a cinnamon stick.
6. Chai Tea (Without Sugar)
Chai tea is a tasty combination of black tea with spices
such as cardamom, cloves, ginger, and milk making it a great winter drink. It
warms the hearts especially during the cold season because of the different
aromatic flavors used in cooking.
Dental Benefits:
i. Antibacterial Spices: Condiments such as cloves and
cardamom help to prevent the accumulation of germs in the mouth and give a
pleasant breath.
ii. Anti-Inflammatory: Ginger helps to reduce inflammation
of the gum and gives it a calming nature.
iii. Milk’s Calcium Content: If made with milk, it provides
calcium for healthier teeth.
Serving Tip:
Serve your chai with unsweetened milk because one of the
best ways to improve and maintain good oral health is by avoiding sweets or
limiting their intake.
Maximizing The Dental Benefits from Winter Drinks
1. Avoid Sugary Additions: Sugar is bad for teeth and causes
cavities and should be replaced with natural sweeteners such as honey or
stevia.
2. Use a Straw: When consuming acidic beverages such as
cranberry juice, it’s advisable to use a straw to reduce direct contact with
the teeth.
3. Rinse with Water: After drinking your beverage, cup some
water and swish it in the mouth to wash off any remaining acids or sugars.
4. Maintain Oral Hygiene: To augment the benefits of these
drinks, brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride-containing
toothpaste and floss daily.
Conclusion
Drinking hot beverages is one of my favorite activities during
winter and it is crucial to select drinks that are good for the teeth. Having
drinks such as green tea, turmeric latte, and peppermint tea will not only help
in warming up but also the maintenance of our teeth. From these six delicious
winter drinks, you can easily have your cup of cocoa, coffee, tea, cider,
eggnog or hot chocolate and still keep your smile healthy and bright.
