With coronation preparations in full swing, many people are looking forward to indulging in some truly iconic British cuisine.
Jam scones, trifle, and sausage rolls are just some of the foods featuring among many people’s spreads to celebrate a royal occasion.
But do you know what coronation cuisine could give you bad breath, cause tooth decay, or yellow your teeth?
Dr Khaled Kasem, chief orthodontist of orthodontics chain Impress, shared with MailOnline the foods that could cause dental disasters this weekend.
Unless you’re looking to have a dental crown after King Charles get his Royal one, he recommends paying heed to the following tips.
A beloved street food favourite since the early 1800s the starchy pastry can sadly contribute to tooth decay
Sausage Rolls
Sausage rolls became a beloved street food favourite in the early 1800s.
The quintessential snack is adored for its crispy puff pastry that encases sausage meat.
While the humble treat is packed with protein and vitamin B12, it can have a serious impact on your pearly whites.
Dr Kasem said: ‘Pastry is starchy, which sticks to teeth and breaks down on them, leaving behind sugars that can cause damage and decay.’
Tooth decay — which affects one in three people in the UK and one in four in the US — happens when acid is produced and forms a plaque which builds up on your teeth.
Eating starch in any amount can also increase the risk of developing cavities, according to researchers at Newcastle University.
Instead of tucking into sausage rolls, Dr Kasem swapping to another meaty treat.
He said: ‘Ditch the pastry and try cocktail sausages, negating the need for starch completely – and let’s be honest, the sausage is the best bit.’
Jam Scones
Jam scones are far more controversial than they appear.
As well as being the source of arguments across the country on whether the jam or cream goes first, they can also wreak havoc on teeth.
The snack, which originated in Scotland in the early 1500s, did not become fashionable until the Duchess of Bedford, Anna, ordered it religiously for her afternoon tea in 1840.
The eternal British debate, jam first or cream? Regardless of if you follow the Devon (left) or Cornish (right) school of scone dining, neither option may leave you smiling when it comes to your oral health
Since then, Brits have held a place in their heart for delightful snacks but have given little consideration about the effects on their gnashers.
Jam is packed with sugar, one of the main causes for tooth decay.
And bacteria in the mouth produce tooth-dissolving acid as they break it down.
Dr Kasem recommended people concerned about their oral health opt for a low-sugar jam, or even choose a savoury scone.
‘If scones are a non-negotiable indulgence, pair with a low-sugar conserve, or opt for a savoury snack instead and spread your scones with some cream cheese and cucumber – a delightfully dignified snack if we do say so ourselves,’ he said.
Trifle
Trifle is a custard, jelly and cream layered dish which is loved by the nation.
But, while the British classic may taste like a treat, its effect on your teeth is anything but a trifle.
The sugar content levels in every layer are outrageous. The ‘best ever’ M&S sharing trifle has 19.4g per portion — nearly two-thirds of the maximum daily allowance.
A trifle is anything but when it comes to how this sugary British classic could play havoc with your gnashers
Dr Kasem said teeth brushing after eating the pudding is vital to prevent the sugar from sitting on your teeth and slowing starting to rot the outer layer, especially for those using teeth aligners — devices that straighten teeth.
He said: ‘Its yummy custard, jelly and cream filling is a hazard for your teeth due to the sheer amount of sugar it contains.’
Dr Kasem suggested swapping the desert for fresh strawberries and cream to cut down on the sugar content.
The British dish has already proved popular around royal celebrations, as a lemon trifle, prepared by Jemma Melvin, a copywriter from Southport in Merseyside, was crowned winner of the Queen’s Platinum Pudding competition last summer.
Coronation Chicken
The aptly named coronation chicken is a leading offender in staining teeth.
The dish, originally served as part of celebrations held for Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, carries a hidden consequences for your pearly whites.
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 may seem the perfect time to eat food fit for a king, it is probably best to give this one a miss if you are wanting to keep those teeth shining.
Coronation chicken, and other dark-pigmented sauces, are packed with chemical compounds called chromogens which give foods their strong colour.
These coloured particles that are capable of sticking to enamel and in turn stains your teeth.
Dr Kasem advised instead opting for chicken with caesar dressing, as it is better for oral health.
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