Today is #NationalDonutDay ! Many of us can’t resist the 
tempting treats and would never pass up an excuse to eat one (or two… or three…), but maybe you should think twice before you indulge in too many sugary treats.
The sugars contained in donuts have been linked to gum inflammation and cavities and research shows that plain donuts have five times as much sugar as oatmeal cookies. Combining donuts with your regular cup of coffee can be disastrous for your oral health. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, this breakfast combination can lengthen the amount of time you spend in the dental chair.
A study conducted by the American Society for Clinical Nutrition shows that donuts processed at the highest temperature contain the highest amount of sugars compared with the other foods tested. The longer that foods remain in the oral cavity, the greater the chance the starch in the foods has to break down into sugars and play a part in the decay process.
When adding coffee to these sugary treats, the effects are even more harmful. The amount of sugar and cream added to your coffee can directly influence the amount of cavity-causing bacteria. Tannins, found in coffee, can also be responsible for the stained surface of your teeth caused by making their way into the grooves of the tooth enamel.
If you do choose to indulge today, remember these tips to lessen the sugary effects:
- Don’t pick at your donut throughout the day. Limiting the time the donut stays in your mouth reduces the impact of the sugar on your teeth.
- Rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste immediately after finishing your donuts.
- Cut back on the sugars and sweetened creamers in your coffee, especially when pairing with a sugary treat.
Coffee and doughnuts: a disastrous combo for teeth? Academy of General Dentistry.
