Minnesota winter has arrived, and there’s nothing better than cozying up with a warm, comforting drink when those temperatures plunge. While we all love indulging in seasonal treats like hot cocoa or caramel lattes, these sugary beverages can affect our overall health, specifically our teeth. However, we are here to tell you that you can enjoy plenty of delicious alternatives that will keep you warm while keeping your smile bright. Let’s sip into some tooth-friendly hot drinks that are perfect for winter.

6 Tooth-Friendly Hot Drinks to Cozy Up With This Winter

1. Green Tea

A classic for a reason, green tea is packed with antioxidants and comes with some serious benefits for your oral health. It contains compounds that can help fight bacteria in the mouth, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Plus, it’s a great way to stay hydrated during the dry winter months. Not a fan of the light flavor of green tea or looking to get your kiddos to enjoy it? Try adding a cinnamon stick to your tea while you steep and a splash of apple juice. You have just created a healthier spin on the traditional hot cider.

2. Herbal Teas

Herbal teas like chamomile, peppermint, or ginger tea are naturally caffeine-free and gentle on your teeth. Unlike sugary drinks, these teas won’t contribute to tooth decay. Peppermint tea is especially soothing after a big meal, while chamomile is perfect for winding down at the end of a long day. Ginger tea, on the other hand, offers a spicy kick and is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. 

Again, we get it; your youngsters may not like the simple flavors of these herbal teas. Here are some fun recipes to get them to get excited about sipping on herbal tea without even realizing it:

Apple Pie Tea

• Ingredients:
  • 1 chamomile or rooibos tea bag
  • ½ cup apple juice
  • ½ cup hot water
  • A pinch of cinnamon
  • A drizzle of honey (for kids over 1 year old)
• Instructions:
  • Brew the tea bag in hot water for 3–5 minutes.
  • Add apple juice and stir in the cinnamon.
  • Sweeten with honey if desired.
  • Serve warm with a cinnamon stick for stirring.
    
    

Fruity Punch Tea

• Ingredients:
  • 1 hibiscus tea bag
  • ½ cup cranberry juice
  • ½ cup cold water
  • A squeeze of fresh orange juice
• Instructions:
  • Brew the hibiscus tea in hot water for 3–5 minutes, then cool.
  • Mix the cooled tea with cranberry juice and cold water.
  • Squeeze in fresh orange juice and serve with a fun straw or orange slice.
    
    

Vanilla Mint Delight

• Ingredients:
  • 1 peppermint tea bag
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • A splash of milk or almond milk
  • A teaspoon of honey or maple syrup
• Instructions:
  • Brew the peppermint tea in hot water for 3–5 minutes.
  • Stir in vanilla extract and milk.
  • Sweeten with honey or maple syrup.
  • Top with whipped cream for an extra special treat!
    
    

Berry Burst

• Ingredients:
  • 1 mixed berry or blueberry herbal tea bag
  • ½ cup mixed berry juice (unsweetened)
  • Fresh or frozen berries (optional)
• Instructions:
  • Brew the tea bag in hot water for 3–5 minutes.
  • Let it cool slightly, then mix with berry juice.
  • Add fresh or frozen berries as a fun garnish.
    
    

Tropical Paradise

• Ingredients:
  • 1 pineapple or mango herbal tea bag
  • ½ cup pineapple juice
  • ½ cup coconut milk
• Instructions:
  • Brew the tea bag in hot water for 3–5 minutes, then cool slightly.
  • Stir in pineapple juice and coconut milk.
  • Serve warm or iced with a paper umbrella for fun!
    
    

3. Warm Lemon Water

Kickstart your morning with a cup of warm lemon water. While citrus does contain acid, when diluted in water and paired with a quick rinse after drinking, it can provide a refreshing way to stay hydrated. Lemon water can stimulate saliva production, which helps wash away bacteria and keep your mouth healthy.

4. Spiced Apple Cider (Unsweetened)

Apple cider is a winter favorite, but traditional recipes often contain added sugars that can harm teeth. Opt for an unsweetened version made with natural apple juice, and enhance the flavor with warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. These spices not only add depth to the drink but also have their own oral health benefits—cinnamon, for instance, has antibacterial properties.

5. Milk or Plant-Based Lattes

A warm cup of milk (or your favorite plant-based alternative) can be surprisingly comforting and tooth-friendly. Milk is rich in calcium, which helps strengthen your teeth, and unsweetened plant-based milks like almond or oat milk are great alternatives. Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a seasonal flavor boost without the sugar. Learn more about the benefits milk may have on your teeth here.

Be aware of the sugar content of popular lattes at coffee shops; they can pack a punch of added sugar, which should be avoided. Some great options to consider:

• Matcha green tea latte
• Turmeric latte
• Chai tea latte
  
  

6. Sugar-Free Hot Chocolate

Love hot chocolate but not the sugar overload? Try making your own sugar-free version at home. Use unsweetened cocoa powder, a milk of your choice, and a natural sweetener like stevia. Cocoa contains compounds that may benefit your oral health by fighting harmful bacteria in the mouth. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra coziness.

Tips for Protecting Your Teeth While Enjoying Hot Drinks

• Drink Through a Straw: This minimizes direct contact between your teeth and the drink, helping to prevent staining and acid erosion. Make sure that you allow your drink to cool slightly before attempting to drink it through a straw. We advise using a reusable straw option that can withstand heat.
• Rinse With Water: After finishing your drink, rinse your mouth with plain water to wash away acids and sugars.
• Avoid Adding Sugar: Stick to natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit, or skip the sweeteners altogether.
• Brush, but Wait: After enjoying an acidic drink, wait at least 30 minutes before brushing to give your enamel time to recover.
  
  

Okay, Wait, What About Coffee?

Is coffee your go-to hot drink? We get it; we love our coffee, too, but the reality is it can be damaging to your smile. There is good news, though! There are ways you can enjoy your beloved cup of coffee without damaging your smile. Read our simple tips to still indulge in your daily coffee without causing negative effects on your smile here.

Get Cozy With a Hot Drink That is Dentist Approved

This winter, enjoy the cozy season while keeping your smile bright and healthy. With these tooth-friendly hot drinks, you can have the best of both worlds—a warm cup of comfort and a sparkling, healthy smile. So, grab your favorite mug, brew one of these delicious options, and sip your way through the season with confidence!