You are surrounded by many tasty foods during the holidays that will make your mouth water. You know that many can be bad for your waistline, but they can also damage your teeth and gums. Did you know that many seasonal drinks can also compromise your dental health? Here are 3 holiday beverages you should avoid to keep your mouth healthy.
1. Coffee
Life gets a little busier during the holidays, which means you may need more coffee to get through the day. Although coffee offers some health benefits and can give you a boost of energy, it can also affect your dental health.
Drinking a lot of coffee can stain your teeth, even in just a few weeks. No amount of brushing will reverse discoloration. Not to mention, you might add creamer, syrup, or sugar to your cup of java, which will feed cavity-causing bacteria that can erode your enamel. Once your enamel is gone, it won’t grow back, placing you at a higher risk of tooth decay.
If you can’t resist drinking coffee to jumpstart your day, drink it through a straw to limit its contact with your teeth. Drink it all at once, instead of sipping it throughout the day. Leave out any surgery additives.
2. Wine
Whether you enjoy red or white wine, it can come back to haunt your smile. Alcohol can lead to dehydration, which will make your mouth dry. A dry mouth is an ideal environment for oral bacterial growth. An overgrowth of bacteria can cause cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Alcohol also decreases your immune system, making you more prone to infections and illness.
Red wine is a double whammy for your dental health. Besides containing alcohol, its dark color can stain your teeth. If you’ve ever spilled red wine on a white shirt or rug, you know just how difficult it is to remove the stain. Your teeth aren’t an exception to its dark pigmentation.
Moderate your consumption of wine and alcohol. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and to wash away stain-causing residue.
3. Eggnog
Eggnog is a seasonal favorite in many homes. Sadly, it’s damaging to your teeth. Eggnog often contains sugar and alcohol, which is a recipe for disaster. Although it may taste amazing, it can have long-term risks for your oral health. You can lessen its harmful effects by choosing varieties that don’t contain sugar or alcohol.
It’s better to choose water whenever possible. It will keep you hydrated and your mouth moist. Every sip will also cleanse your mouth to keep your pearly whites healthy.
About Dr. Heliben Desai
Dr. Desai earned her dental degree at the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine and has regularly continued her education to provide up-to-date dentistry. Dr. Desai holds memberships with the Texas Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Request an appointment through her website or call (817) 904-4010.