Holiday Drinks and Your Teeth: The Naughty and Nice List
Dec 09, 2024
The holiday season is a time for celebration, which often means indulging in festive drinks like eggnog, cider, and hot cocoa. While these beverages bring warmth and cheer, they can also impact your oral health. Some drinks are kinder to your teeth than others, so let’s explore the "naughty" and "nice" options when it comes to keeping your smile healthy this holiday season.
The Naughty List: Drinks to Enjoy in Moderation
- Eggnog
Eggnog is a holiday favorite, but it’s loaded with sugar, which can feed harmful bacteria in your mouth. When combined with alcohol (as in spiked eggnog), it can dry out your mouth, reducing saliva that helps protect your teeth.
Tip: If you enjoy eggnog, rinse your mouth with water afterward and brush your teeth after about 30 minutes to minimize the sugar’s effects.
- Hot Cocoa
A cup of hot cocoa is perfect for warming up on cold days, but it’s often packed with sugar and sticky marshmallows. These ingredients can cling to your teeth, increasing the risk of cavities.
Tip: Opt for sugar-free cocoa or use dark chocolate as a healthier alternative.
- Mulled Wine
This holiday classic is acidic and rich in tannins, which can stain your teeth. The combination of acidity and deep color makes it one of the worst culprits for tooth discoloration during the holidays.
Tip: Use a straw to reduce contact with your teeth and rinse with water after drinking.
- Sparkling Cider
While non-alcoholic sparkling cider may seem harmless, it’s highly acidic and full of sugar. The acidity can erode enamel over time, leaving your teeth vulnerable to cavities.
Tip: Enjoy sparkling cider occasionally and balance it with water to neutralize the acidity.
The Nice List: Smile-Friendly Holiday Drinks
- Herbal Teas
Herbal teas like peppermint or chamomile are tooth-friendly options that can keep you warm during the holidays. Unlike black or green teas, herbal teas are less likely to stain teeth and don’t contribute to enamel erosion.
Tip: Avoid adding sugar or honey to keep it completely smile-friendly.
- Milk
Milk is an excellent choice for your teeth because it’s rich in calcium and phosphate, which help strengthen enamel. A warm glass of milk with a sprinkle of cinnamon can be a festive and tooth-friendly treat.
Tip: Enjoy milk as a base for drinks like sugar-free hot cocoa for an added oral health boost.
- Infused Water
Holiday-themed infused water, such as water flavored with cranberries, oranges, and mint, is refreshing and good for your teeth. It keeps you hydrated, promotes saliva production, and has no added sugar.
Tip: Serve it in festive glasses to elevate the experience!
- Sparkling Water
Sparkling water is a great alternative to sugary or acidic beverages. It provides a bubbly sensation without harmful sugars or acids, making it a smile-friendly option for celebrations.
Tip: Add a splash of natural fruit juice for flavor, but keep it minimal to avoid added sugar.
How to Protect Your Teeth During the Holidays
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss regularly to remove plaque and food particles.
Drink Water
Water is your best friend during the holidays. It helps wash away sugars, acids, and stains, keeping your teeth protected and your mouth hydrated.
Rinse After Naughty Drinks
After enjoying sugary or acidic drinks, rinse your mouth with water to minimize their impact. Avoid brushing immediately after consuming acidic beverages to prevent enamel erosion.
Schedule a Post-Holiday Cleaning
After the holiday festivities, schedule a dental cleaning to address any staining or buildup from your holiday indulgences.
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