London dentist reveals the worst festive tipples for your teeth
With the festive season in full swing, many of us will be eating and drinking with wild abandon. While it’s great to embrace the festivities and have fun, a leading London dentist has issued some tips and guidelines to help minimise the risk of dental dramas this Christmas.
Dr Christopher Orr, from Advanced Dental Practice, has warned patients against sugary mixers, fizz, and acidic wines this Christmas. Spirits themselves are usually a good option as far as the teeth are concerned, but adding cola, lemonade or fruit juice can send the sugar content soaring. Instead of opting for these drinks, Dr Orr recommends sticking to slim-line tonic water or diet drinks, which are sugar-free. It’s also advisable to try and drink with meals and to avoid snacking to allow time for the enamel to recover and reduce the risk of acid erosion.
Prosecco, wine and Champagne are very popular festive tipples, and this is bad news for the pearly whites. These drinks have a very low pH value, and some are also high in sugar. If you do fancy raising a toast, try and avoid swilling the liquid around the mouth to minimise contact with the enamel and rinse with water afterwards. It’s also a good idea to drink wine with cheese. Cheese has a high pH value and it can help to neutralise the acids in the mouth.
As well as considering what you drink at Christmas, Dr Orr is also encouraging revellers to think about when they drink. If you’re eating and drinking through the day, the teeth will be constantly exposed to acids, which are produced by bacteria in your mouth. Taking a break and sticking to water between meals can be hugely beneficial. It’s also helpful to wait around an hour to brush your teeth after eating.
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