Health warning about the viral TikTok trend of adding sweet-flavored powders and syrups to water to make it taste better

A viral beverage trend of adding sweet-flavored powders and syrups to water to enhance taste has raised concerns among health experts.

Dentists warn of the dangers of the #WaterTok trend, which has garnered more than 100 million views on TikTok, saying the sugar in products used can erode tooth enamel and cause tooth decay.

It’s also backlash from other health experts, with nutritionists claiming the sweeteners found in sugar-free alternatives could be bad for your gut.

Influencers share clips describing their recipes for the “water of the day,” a mix of powders and syrups.

Like the pumpkin popular in the UK, these concentrated products turn ordinary H20 into sweet, colorful drinks.

Influencers share clips featuring their “Water of the Day” recipe – a mix of aspartame-filled powders and syrups (shown is a tub full of powder sachets)

Like the pumpkin popular in the UK, these concentrated products turn ordinary H20 into sweet, colorful drinks

While flavorings can add a delicious note to water, dentist dr. Alan Clarke, clinical director at Belfast-based practice Paste Dental, on the potential impact on dental health.

“Sugar syrup in particular can have a negative effect on your teeth,” he said.

“When you consume sweet syrup, the sugar combines with bacteria in your mouth to form an acid that attacks your tooth enamel.”

“Over time, this can lead to tooth decay, cavities and other dental problems,” Dr. Added Clarke. “In addition to sugar, some flavored syrups can also contain acids that can attack your tooth enamel.”

DR Sam Jethwa, vice-president of the British Association for Cosmetic Dentistry, described the addition of syrups and powders flavored with sugar, corn syrup or citric acid as a “sure recipe for tooth damage.”

Dr. Jethwa, owner of the Bespoke Smile clinic, added: “Colourants in such products can also have a staining effect on teeth, which can lead to long-term discoloration.”

And aspartame — an artificial sweetener commonly found in some “sugar-free” flavored 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 variety of health issues over the years, including an increased risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease.

The sweetener is also found in many of the UK’s most popular pumpkin brands. It is estimated that more than 9 million Britons regularly drink squash.

and Dr Caitlin Hall, chief nutritionist and head of clinical research at Myota, the gut health supplement brand, raised concerns about the effects of sweeteners on your gut microbiome – the bacteria, fungi and viruses that naturally live there.

While flavorings can add a delicious note to water, dentist dr. Alan Clarke, clinical director at Belfast-based practice Paste Dental, on the potential impact on dental health

DR. Sam Jethwa, vice-president of the British Association for Cosmetic Dentistry, described the addition of syrups and powders flavored with sugar, corn syrup or citric acid as a “foolproof recipe for tooth damage” (pictured is a bag of cone powder, spinning water light blue). ). )

In this TikTok, the influencer described a bag of Kool Aid Tropical Punch as “unsweetened” but containing artificial flavors

She said: “Regular use of artificial sweeteners (such as aspartame) can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

“These chemicals can also have a very detrimental effect on the sensitive gut microbiome.”

DR Hall says the disruption of the good bacteria in the gut can lead to bloating, discomfort, weight gain and an increased risk of chronic disease and depression.

She recommends very rarely using sugary and artificially sweetened drinks and instead relying on natural drink alternatives such as unsweetened kombucha, unsweetened herbal tea or coconut water.

And although they are very popular in the UK, many of the ingredients in these pouches are also found in pumpkin.

dentist dr. However, Clarke emphasized that there are ways to do this Enjoy flavored water while minimizing the risk to your teeth.

Here is dr. Clarke’s tips on how to drink a tasty drink without compromising your dental health:

Nutritionist Dr. Caitlin Hall’s healthy flavored water alternatives you can make at home

• Ice water with fresh cucumber slices and crushed mint leaves
• Cold brewed ginger tea sweetened with a few drops of honey
• Ice water with sliced ​​strawberries, basil leaves and lemon slices

Limit your intake

“Although flavored syrup can add great flavor to your water, it’s important to use it sparingly,” says the dental expert.

Too much sugar can have a negative effect on your teeth, so try to limit your intake of sweet syrup.

Also consider using a smaller amount of syrup or diluting it with more water.

Use a straw

Drinking through a straw can help reduce contact between sweet syrup and your teeth.

This is because the straw directs the liquid to the back of your mouth.

and Dr. According to Clarke, this reduces the amount of contact time with your teeth.

Rinse your mouth

DR Clarke recommends rinsing your mouth with water after eating flavored syrup.

He says it can help flush out excess sugar and acids, as acid can erode tooth enamel.

Rinsing with water also helps to 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 particles from your teeth.

Dr Clarke says this can reduce the risk of tooth decay and cavities.

And he encourages 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 identify dental problems early, says Dr. Clarke.

And catching things early can help treat them before they become more serious.

Dr. Clarke says you should visit your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and exam.