The holiday season is a time of festive gatherings with loved ones, delicious feasts, and of course, a variety of celebratory drinks! However, while you’re enjoying the holiday cheer, you should be mindful of the impact that many of these merry beverages can have on your dental health; after all, it would truly be a shame to end up with a cavity for Christmas! Continue reading below to learn more about some of the holiday drinks that pose a threat to your smile, along with a few useful tips for protecting your oral health.
What Holiday Drinks Can Harm My Smile?
Several beverages simply seem meant for the holiday season, but that doesn’t mean your teeth and gums are going to appreciate them. Be mindful of the four following drinks:
Coffee
Coffee is great year-round, but it’s especially popular during the holidays. That said, it’s notorious for causing dental discoloration, not to mention, all of the sugary additives don’t do your teeth any favors!
Eggnog
Eggnog is a holiday classic; this rich, creamy combination of milk, eggs, sugar, and nutmeg is loved by many, and these days there are all sorts of different takes on it and spin-offs. Nonetheless, eggnog’s high acidity and fat content can be a recipe for tooth decay!
Hot Chocolate
A steaming mug of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream is an iconic wintery beverage, but it comes with major dental drawbacks. There’s lots of sugar present in hot chocolate, not to mention, you’re often sipping it over time, which means your teeth are exposed to it for an even longer period.
Wine
Both white and red wine can pose problems for your teeth; red wines are notorious for staining, while white wine is often quite acidic, which can weaken your enamel over time.
How Can I Protect My Smile This Holiday Season?
The holiday season simply wouldn’t be the same without some of these beverages. However, you don’t have to give them up entirely! Here are some useful tips worth considering:
- While it may be tempting to overindulge, remember that moderation is key. Limit your consumption of sugary, acidic, or alcoholic drinks this holiday season to reduce the risk of dental issues like cavities and enamel erosion.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water; it encourages your mouth to produce saliva, which helps to protect your teeth from harmful bacteria. It can also help to rinse out your mouth after you’ve eaten a hearty holiday meal!
- Maintain your oral care routine by brushing and flossing daily—no matter how busy you are or how tired you feel, make time to take care of your pearly whites, especially if you’ve been enjoying holiday beverages!
About the Practice
The team at Atrium Family Dental of New Lenox has proudly served patients and families in the New Lenox community for several years, and they’d be honored if you entrusted them with your smile’s well-being! They’re pleased to offer a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment options, in addition to emergency dentistry. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to arrange a visit for you or a loved one, feel free to contact the team online or by phone for further information or assistance. Telephone: (815) 462-9990.