As summer draws to an end, it’s time for the great pumpkin invasion. Soon, pumpkin spice flavored and scented everything will be available for your autumn enjoyment. Why do some of us love this stuff so much? According to science, it’s less about the taste and more about the aroma – bottom line: pumpkin spice makes (some of) us very happy.

What is Pumpkin Spice?

Pumpkin spice itself contains no pumpkin. It’s a combo of the spices you would use to make a traditional pumpkin pie, typically nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon and allspice. Sometimes cloves make an appearance too. The first pumpkin spice thing was created in 1934 by McCormick & Company, who introduced the mix so that their customers wouldn’t have to buy four or five bottles of spices to make pumpkin pie.

It’s likely that Starbucks was not the first to fancy up a latte with pumpkin pie spices, but their Pumpkin Spice Latte – known as PSL to its fans – certainly kicked off the current craze for all things spicy and pumpkin. First released in select Starbucks’ stores in 2003, and originally almost called “Fall Harvest Latte,” Starbucks didn’t add pumpkin to the drink until 2015. Since its launch, Starbucks has sold 500 million PSLs in the U.S. alone.

Suddenly Pumpkin Spice is Everywhere, All The Time

Pumpkin spice coffee drinks used to be a fun fall thing, now it’s becoming like Christmas decorations – available months in advance of the actual season. Does anyone actually crave pumpkin spice in the sweltering summer heat? Retailers response to that question has been to add cold brews and iced teas to their 2022 pumpkin spice lineup.

And pumpkin spice is no longer limited to pie. It has crept into an amazing number of products – including cough drops, pasta sauce, potato chips, waffles, Spam, cereal,  dog treats, deodorant, beef jerky, nut milks, hummus and even Marshmallow Peeps. Should you want even more, you can even purchase pumpkin spice-scented underwear.

There are online rumors of major brands offering pumpkin spice toothpaste, with the photoshopped pictures to “prove” its existence. And there is at least one natural brand that provides a pumpkin spice paste – but before you race out and buy it, check to see if it – or any toothpaste you purchase – is ADA approved.

Treats, Tricks and Your Teeth

There’s nothing inherently unhealthy about nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon and allspice. Some have even been credited with having antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting benefits. But that’s assuming you’re consuming the actual spices, not artificial flavors.

The problem is the foods and drinks that have been pumpkin-spiced. Many of the ones you are likely to eat – like the infamous lattes and associated drinks, pumpkin donuts, muffins and other snacks – contain lots of added sugar which is not good for your smile or your overall health.

But you can still enjoy pumpkin spice! Here’s how:

1. Make your own spice blend, or purchase one. Use it to favor hot beverages, sprinkle it on your oatmeal or yogurt – or anything that you feel could use a little fall flavor.
2. Check out healthy pumpkin spice recipes online. Here’s a good place to start, especially if you’re following a paleo eating plan.
3. Indulge in the occasional pumpkin spice treat.  Try to pick items that have no or low amounts of added sugar.
4. If you do have a sugary snack, brush your teeth afterwards or rinse your mouth with water.
5. Limit the lattes. Besides all that sugar, coffee is an acidic drink that can weaken dental enamel plus stain your teeth. Skip brushing for an hour after having acidic foods or drinks to avoid further damaging softened enamel (rinse with plain water instead), and get regular cleanings to keep coffee and other dark-colored beverages from dimming your smile.
6. Avoid sticky pumpkin-spiced treats. The longer sugar lingers on your teeth, the more damage it can do.
7. See a dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings no matter what season it is. 

If budget constraints have kept you from seeing the dentist, consider joining a dental savings plan. These plans are an alternative to traditional dental insurance that offer reduced rates on virtually all procedures, from checkups and cleanings to root canals and dental implants (even braces). Plan members report saving an average of 50%* at the dentist, with no annual limits, restrictions or waiting. Want a quick peek at how much you could save? Use our calculator below and see how simple it is to get the dental care you need. 

*Discount Health Program consumer and provider surveys indicate average savings of 50%. Savings may vary by provider, location, and plan.