Holiday parties usually offer a selection of interesting beverages for revelers to enjoy, and some of them can lead to a range of unpleasant oral health problems if the drinker doesn’t take the proper precautions. Luckily, a few smart habits like excellent oral hygiene will allow you to enjoy your favorite holiday beverages without worrying too much about tooth decay and dental stains. Here’s a quick look at a few popular holiday beverages that can be risky for your smile and how you can keep your grin healthy and beautiful.
Which Holiday Beverages Can Harm My Teeth?
A few popular festive beverages to be cautious about include:
Coffee
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages on the planet, and many people rely on it for the quick jolt of energy they need to get moving in the morning. While many people enjoy drinking java on a cold winter day or when gathering with friends and family for the holidays, this beverage is heavy with acids, pigments, and tannins that can erode dental enamel and leave unsightly stains and discoloration.
Red Wine
Red wine is a traditional staple of holiday feasts because of its bold taste, rich, dark color, and amazing ability to pair extraordinarily well with beef and lamb. However, this beverage is quite acidic and heavy with discoloring agents that can leave purplish stains in your enamel. Alcohol also has a dehydrating effect, which can prevent your teeth from receiving the healthy saliva flow they need to stay in good shape.
Soda Pop
Many people love to drink far too much soda during festive events, and this can have devastating consequences for their enamel. Perhaps more than any other beverage, soda is loaded with sugar and acid that can feed harmful oral bacteria and erode the enamel.
How Can I Protect My Teeth from Harm?
Luckily, you can mitigate the risks presented by these beverages if you observe a few smart habits. These include:
- Practicing excellent oral hygiene: Be sure to brush at least twice, floss at least once, and rinse with antibacterial mouthwash every day.
- Drinking through a straw: This will help limit how much contact your beverage makes with your teeth.
- Drinking plenty of water: Enjoying a tall glass of H2O alongside your potentially hazardous holiday beverage can help flush harmful materials like plaque and acid away from your teeth.
- Drinking in moderation: Overindulging when enjoying coffee, red wine, or soda can lead to oral infections and dental stains.
- Chewing sugar-free gum: This will encourage saliva flow and help remove plaque and sugary residues from your teeth.
- Cleaning your teeth after indulging: Wait at least thirty minutes before brushing and flossing after eating or drinking anything but water. Cleaning your teeth between meals is an excellent way to minimize plaque accumulation.
Don’t let your favorite beverage leave an unsightly mark on your smile. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand how to keep your teeth healthy during the holidays.
About the Practice
Sound Dentistry offers the finest oral healthcare in New Bedford. Led by Drs. Moftah El-Ghadi, John Govostes, and Anna Kitsos, the staff treats each patient with compassion, courtesy, and outstanding customer service. Areas of expertise include general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry. To learn more about how you can keep your teeth healthy during the holidays, contact the staff on the web or dial (508) 321-7874.