Ewan Bramley Dental Care Investigates

Everybody loves Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Day as it’s more lovingly referred to, but are we fully aware of the hidden dangers it can pose to our oral health? Probably not.

Ewan Bramley Dental Care, a Newcastle dentist, loves pancakes too, and of course, it’s a great excuse to enjoy this much-loved treat, but over doing it and indulging too much can cause a whole host of problems for our teeth and gums.

We’re all aware that consuming too much sugar is bad news for our mouth, and can lead to things like tooth decay, but if we know how much of it we’re taking in when we eat pancakes we can all be better prepared. We don’t want you to have to make an unnecessary trip to the dentist now do we?

Figures released by the Government have revealed that us Brits will eat more than two pancakes today, and those folks up in Scotland enjoy them the most, according to the study.

The pancakes themselves are relatively low in sugar, but it’s those delectable toppings that pose the biggest risk. Let’s take a look at some of the more popular toppings and assess the affects they will have on your teeth and gums.

Sugar and Lemon

The most popular combo on our pancakes in the UK is sugar and lemon. Over 60% of us place this as our top three pancake toppings. You may not want to hear this, but it’s also the worst combo you could have when it comes to our teeth and gums.

Sugar and the high acidity found in the lemon will attack your teeth on two fronts and can lead to decay and dental erosion. Make sure you chew sugar-free gum after you’ve enjoyed this type of pancake to protect those gnashers.

Maple Syrup

Over 20% of us love maple syrup on our pancakes and it’s an essential ingredient borrowed from our friends in Canada. But remember people, 70% of its content is pure sugar and will stick to our teeth long after you’ve consumed it. Make sure you have a glass of milk after to rinse all of that harmful sugar from your pearly whites.

Nutella

Nutella is the new kid on the block when it comes to pancake toppings and over a tenth of us here in the UK say this is a pancake must. But what people don’t often realise is that over half of its content is sugar. Don’t be fooled into thinking it’s good for your teeth just because it’s a dairy-based treat.

Enjoy Pancake Day responsibly people and spare a thought for your teeth and gums today.