What is the most well-known sign that fall is coming these days? Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte! Even though the official start to fall isn’t until September 22, this year, Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Lattes have returned early to give the social media world plenty to talk about.
When the fall favorite was rolled out August 28, it was still 90 degrees in some areas of the country and many were holding on to their summer dreams and not yet ready to feel the fall. Others celebrated with Instagram posts and #pumpkinspice captions abounded.
According to Starbucks, the drink originated with researchers tasting pumpkin pie and sips of espresso in order to study how to get the flavor just right, and for the last 15 years it has grown in popularity as a sign of the seasons changing. This year, the sharp divide between PSL, as it’s lovingly referred to, lovers and PSL haters is more apparent than ever, especially with the recipe change that occurred last year altering the flavor just enough to have some fans switching sides.
Starbucks reports having sold over 350 million PSLs in the last 15 years, making it the most popular seasonal beverage ever. A medium, or Grande as Starbucks calls it, has 50 grams of sugar, which is equal to approximately five Krispy Kreme doughnuts or three Snickers bars.
Whether you love your PSL and count down the days until it is released each year, or you have a different favorite sugar-filled drink you love, it’s important to keep your oral health in mind when indulging. Food and drinks high in sugar content are an acid attack waiting to happen in your mouth. When the sugar from the drink interacts with the natural bacteria in the mouth, it can begin to wreak havoc on your enamel. It may seem like the obvious solution is to brush your teeth right after you finish your latte, but it’s actually better to wait 20 minutes. This is because the enamel on your teeth is softest just after an acid attack, and giving it time to return to normal helps prevent erosion or further damage when the enamel is vulnerable.
For more hygiene hacks or tips and tricks, or to schedule your twice-yearly cleaning and exam, call us today at 425-320-0742.
