A viral drink trend in which sweet-flavored powders and syrups are added to water to make it taste better has raised concerns among health experts.
Dentists warn of the dangers of jumping on the #WaterTok trend, which has garnered more than 100 million views on TikTok, saying the sugars in the products can erode tooth enamel and cause tooth decay.
It has also sparked backlash from other health experts, with dietitians claiming that the sweeteners present in no-sugar alternatives are bad for your gut.
Influencers share clips detailing their “water of the day” recipes — a mixture of aspartame-filled powders and syrups.
Like squash, which is popular in the UK, these concentrated products turn ordinary H20 into sugary, brightly colored drinks.
Dentists warn of the dangers of jumping on the #WaterTok trend, which has garnered over 100 million views on TikTok (pictured is a ‘mermaid’ sugar syrup)
Influencers share clips detailing their “water of the day” recipes – a mixture of aspartame-filled powders and syrups (pictured is a tub full of powder sachets)
Like squash, which is popular in the UK, these concentrated products turn ordinary H20 into sugary, brightly colored drinks
While flavorings can add a delicious twist to water, dentist Dr Alan Clarke, clinical director of Belfast-based practice Paste Dental, warned of the potential impact on dental health.
“Sugary syrups, in particular, can have a negative effect on your teeth,” he said.
“When you consume sugary syrups, the sugar combines with bacteria in your mouth to create an acid that attacks your tooth enamel.”
‘Over time, this can lead to tooth decay, cavities and other dental problems,’ Dr Clarke added. “Some flavored syrups can also contain acids in addition to sugar that can attack your tooth enamel.”
Dr. Sam Jethwa, vice president of the British Association for Cosmetic Dentistry, described adding syrups and powders flavored with sugar, corn syrup or citric acid as a “surefire recipe for damaging teeth.”
Dr. Jethwa, owner of the Bespoke Smilke clinic, added: ‘Dyes in such products can also have a discoloring effect on the teeth, which can cause long-term discoloration.’
And aspartame — an artificial sweetener commonly found in some “sugar-free” flavor sachets — has also been linked to behavioral and cognitive problems, according to a 2017 study by scientists in Malaysia.
Experts have also linked aspartame to a host of health problems over the years, including an increased risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease.
The sweetener is also in many of the UK’s most loved squash brands. It is estimated that over 9 million Britons drink squash regularly.
And Dr. Caitlin Hall, chief dietitian and chief clinical researcher at Myota, the gut health supplement brand, expressed concern about the impact of sweeteners on your gut microbiome — the bacteria, fungi, and viruses that naturally live there.
While flavorings can add a delicious twist to water, dentist Dr Alan Clarke, clinical director of Belfast-based practice Paste Dental, warned of the potential impact on dental health
Dr. Sam Jethwa, vice president of the British Association for Cosmetic Dentistry, described adding syrups and powders flavored with sugar, corn syrup or citric acid as a “foolproof recipe for damaging teeth” (pictured is a sachet of cone powder that turns water bright blue colors). )
In this TikTok, the influencer described a Kool Aid Tropical Punch pouch as “unsweetened,” but they contained artificial flavors
She said: ‘Frequent consumption of artificial sweeteners (such as aspartame) can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
“In addition, these chemicals can have a very harmful effect on the delicate gut microbiome.”
Dr. Hall said disrupting the good bacteria in the gut can lead to bloating, discomfort, weight gain and an increased risk of chronic disease and depression.
She recommends consuming sugary and artificially sweetened drinks only very occasionally and opting instead for natural drink alternatives such as no-sugar-added kombucha, unsweetened herbal teas, or coconut water.
And while they are hugely popular in the UK, many of the ingredients in these sachets are also present in pumpkin.
Dentist dr. However, Clarke stressed that there are ways to do this enjoy flavored water while minimizing the risk to your teeth.
Here are dr. Clarke’s tips for how to drink a tasty drink without sacrificing your dental health:
Limit your intake
“Although flavored syrups can add a great taste to your water, it’s important to use them in moderation,” says the dental expert.
Too much sugar can negatively affect your teeth, so try to limit your intake of sugary syrups.
Also consider using a smaller amount of syrup or diluting it with more water.
Use a straw
Drinking through a straw can help minimize contact between sugary syrups and your teeth.
This is because the straw directs the liquid to the back of your mouth.
And dr. Clarke says this reduces the amount of time it spends in contact with your teeth.
Rinse your mouth
Dr. Clarke recommends rinsing your mouth with water after consuming flavored syrup.
He says this can help flush out excess sugar and acids, as acid can erode enamel.
Rinsing with water also helps reduce the impact on your teeth, as the water can dilute the acid.
Brush and floss regularly
Regular brushing and flossing can help remove plaque and food debris from your teeth.
Dr. Clarke says this can reduce the risk of tooth decay and cavities.
And he urges you to brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time and to floss at least once a day.
Visit your dentist
Regular dental checkups can help detect dental problems early, Dr. Clarke says.
And catching things early can help treat them before they get more serious.
Dr. Clarke says you should visit your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and exam.