While preparations for the coronation are in full swing, many people are looking forward to indulging in some truly iconic British cuisine.
Scones with jam, snacks and sausage rolls are just a few of the foods that many people include in their spreads to celebrate a royal occasion.
But do you know which coronation kitchen could give you bad breath, cause tooth decay or yellow your teeth?
dr Khaled Kasem, chief orthodontist at orthodontics chain Impress, told MailOnline which foods could be causing dental disasters this weekend.
Unless you’re looking for a dental crown after King Charles gets his royal one, he recommends considering the following tips.
The starchy pastry has been a popular street food favorite since the early 1800s and, unfortunately, can contribute to tooth decay
Sausages in puff pastry
Sausage rolls became a popular street food favorite in the early 19th century.
The snack par excellence, it’s revered for its crispy puff pastry that encases the sausage meat.
While the humble treat is packed with protein and vitamin B12, it can have a serious impact on your nacre.
dr Kasem said, “Pastries are starchy, which cling to your teeth and break down on them, leaving behind sugars that can cause damage and putrefaction.”
Tooth decay – which affects one in three people in the UK and one in four in the US – occurs when acid is produced and plaque builds up on your teeth.
Eating starch in any amount may also increase your risk of developing tooth decay, according to researchers at Newcastle University.
Instead of being stuck in sausage rolls, Dr. Kasem to another meaty treat.
He said, “Skip the pastries and try cocktail sausages, completely negating the need for starch — and let’s face it, the sausage is the best.”
jam scones
Jam scones are far more controversial than meets the eye.
Not only are they the source of arguments across the country about whether the jam or cream goes first, they can also wreak havoc on teeth.
Originating in Scotland in the early 15th century, the snack only came into vogue when the Duchess of Bedford, Anna, religiously ordered it for her afternoon tea in 1840.
The eternal British debate, jam or cream first? Whether you follow the Devon (left) or Cornish (right) school of Scone, neither option will make you smile when it comes to your oral health
Since then, Brits have held a place in their hearts for delicious snacks, but have given little thought to the impact on their munchies.
Jam is packed with sugar, one of the main causes of tooth decay.
And bacteria in the mouth produce tooth-dissolving acid when they break down.
dr Kasem recommended people concerned about their oral health opt for a low-sugar jam or even a savory scone.
“If scones are a non-negotiable treat, pair them with a low-sugar jam, or opt for a savory snack instead and slather your scones with some cream cheese and cucumber—a delightfully dignified snack, if we put it that way,” he said.
small thing
Trifle is a layered custard, jelly and cream dish loved by the nation.
But as delicious as the British classic may be, its effect on the teeth is anything but small.
The sugar content in each layer is outrageous. The ‘best ever’ M&S Sharing Trifle contains 19.4g per serving – almost two thirds of the maximum daily dose.
A trifle is far from when it comes to how this sweet British classic could wreak havoc on your crunches
dr Kasem said brushing your teeth after eating the custard is crucial to prevent the sugar from sitting on your teeth and slowing down the outer layer, especially for those who use dental splints – devices that straighten teeth.
He said: “The tasty custard, jelly and cream filling is a hazard to your teeth due to the sheer amount of sugar it contains.”
dr Kasem suggested swapping out the dessert for fresh strawberries and cream to reduce the sugar content.
The British dish has already proved popular at royal celebrations, as a lemon trifle prepared by Jemma Melvin, a copywriter from Southport in Merseyside, was crowned the winner of the Queen’s Platinum Pudding competition last summer.
coronation chicken
The aptly named Coronation Chicken is a major culprit in discoloring teeth.
Originally served as part of Queen Elizabeth II’s celebrations in 1953, the dish has hidden implications for her pearly whiteness.
And while coronation chicken may be fit for a king, dentists are urging Brits to opt for Caesar chicken salad instead to avoid staining their pearly whites
While this might seem like the perfect time to eat foods fit for a king, it’s probably best to miss if you want to keep your teeth shiny.
Coronation chicken and other darkly pigmented sauces are packed with chemical compounds called chromogens that give foods their rich color.
This colored particles that stick to tooth enamel and in turn stain your teeth.
dr Kasem advised opting for instead Chicken with Caesar dressing as it is better for oral health.
Discussion about this post