Food and drink trends on TikTok are constantly changing, but one particular trend has sparked alarm from health experts and dentists.
In a recent trend known as #WaterTok, influencers are creating flavored and sweetened water recipes to make hydration look more appealing.
The hashtag #WaterTok, which has garnered over 103.7 million views at the time of writing, has caused confusion and concern across social media.
Many of these influencers have their followers add candy-flavoured powders such as Starburst and Skittles, as well as flavored syrups to create things like “piña colada water,” “birthday cake water,” and “peach ring water.” recommended to do so.
These drinks are often made in bulk and consumed from large, colorful bottles such as the popular 1.13-liter stainless steel Stanley tumbler.
Dr. Abdul Matin Azizi, Principal Dentist at Harley Private Dental, said: Independent These additives can seriously affect a drinker’s teeth, depending on their composition and method of use.
“Some powders and syrups may contain high levels of sugar and citric acid that can erode tooth enamel and cause tooth decay,” he warned.
“Sugar can feed the bacteria in your mouth, leading to the production of harmful acids that attack your teeth. Citric acid also erodes tooth enamel, leading to tooth sensitivity and pain. Food coloring, which is also found in many such products, can stain teeth over time.
He urged people who enjoy drinking flavored water to drink “in moderation” and then rinse their mouths.
But consuming large amounts of sugary water can affect more than just your teeth, said Dr. Al-Imran Khan, GP, Mercuri Health. Independent The idea of flavored water was “originally invented by post-obesity patients to increase their hydration”, but it has now gone viral due to its potential negative health effects.
“Artificial sweeteners and flavoring ingredients, such as those used in powders and syrups that are mixed with water, can lead to many health problems, including cardiovascular disease and early-onset diabetes,” he warned.
Rainbow Labs nutritionist Silvia Micheletti believes flavored waters have less sugar than juices and sodas, so the beverages are marketed as “a healthier alternative to sugar-sweetened beverages.” He added that it is likely not.
“Look at the ingredients rather than the calories,” she said. “In fact, these artificial flavors contain high levels of maltodextrin, a highly processed carbohydrate derived from starch.
“They are commonly used as food additives in many processed foods, either as thickeners, bulking agents, or sweeteners. It can cause spikes and can lead to health problems such as weight gain, diabetes, fatty liver disease, atherosclerosis, mood swings, fatigue, autoimmune diseases, and cardiovascular disease.”
Instead of drinking flavored water, Dr. Khan advised:
