Holiday Beverages on the Naughty List Because They Can Harm Your Teeth

When this time of year comes around, like most people, you like to indulge in traditions, fun festivities, and celebrate the good things in life. Perhaps you do these things through the beverages you drink. However, this holiday spirit shouldn’t necessarily lead you to forget to take care of your oral health. Without reservation and control, your teeth can suffer damage as a result of the drinks you have. Which drinks are harmful? What can you do to shield your teeth? Keep reading to learn the answers.

What Holiday Drinks Can Harm Your Teeth?

It may surprise you to learn just how many beverages from this time of year can be damaging to your teeth. Some are consumed year-round, but others are reserved mostly for the holiday season. Here are common drinks for the winter holidays that pose a threat to your smile.

Eggnog

Although this seasonal drink has become a tradition for many adults, the sugar, dairy, and alcohol in it all work together against your oral health. Sugar feeds harmful bacteria, dairy proteins create a foul odor in your breath, and alcohol dries out your mouth, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Alcohol Like Bourbon

Whether you pair alcohol with eggnog or enjoy a nightcap on its own, excess alcohol turns your mouth into a warm, dry environment, which encourages bacterial growth and oral infection.

Wine

Although it contains alcohol, wine’s main threat is to the color of your teeth. Especially red wine can stain your enamel, making your teeth appear yellow or dull if you have too much. If you want to have a merry and bright holiday season, this beverage may taint it by discoloring your teeth!

Coffee

During this stressful time, you may want to reach for more coffee to stay awake and get things done. However, in addition to its deep pigment that can stain teeth, coffee has properties that slow saliva production, paving the way for cavities and gum disease.

Hot Chocolate

Regardless of your age, hot chocolate can bring back childlike wonder and joy, but its high sugar content exposes your teeth to a higher risk of decay and others around you to your smelly breath.

Citrus Juice

You can enjoy a glass of fruit juice anytime of the year, but the holiday season often mixes these juices into margaritas or other beverages. These juices tend to have high acidity and a lot of sugar. Both spell trouble for your enamel and make it more vulnerable to decay.

What Can I Do to Protect My Teeth from Holiday Drinks?

With so many potential issues, should you just avoid these drinks altogether? Does this mean you can’t raise a glass and toast the end of this year and the beginning of a new one? Not exactly.

While moderation and limiting these beverages can definitely keep risk under control, you can still enjoy these drinks, as long as you do the following:

• Drink a glass of water after consuming these other beverages. This will help rinse your mouth of sugar and acid, staining pigment, and dairy products.
• Bring your toothbrush and toothpaste with you. Especially while traveling, you need to maintain healthy and daily oral hygiene.
• Consider using a mouthwash containing fluoride, which can strengthen your enamel against bacteria.
• Schedule your dental checkup with your dentist soon after the holidays to make sure you haven’t contracted decay or infection.

This holiday season, enjoy yourself, but if you can limit how much you drink these beverages, you can keep smiling after this time of year passes.

About the Author

Dr. Gregory Craybas, who owns and operates Creative Dental Concepts of CNY, is an active member of many professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, New York State Dental Association, and the Onondaga Country Dental Society. Whether preventing dental damage or treating it, our team strives to make your experience in our office comfortable and positive. Contact us online here to make an appointment or call our Syracuse office at 315-475-6641.