Wintertime Drinks that Won’t Bring Joy to Your Teeth

When you nibble on those frosted Christmas cookies or indulge in a square or two (or three) of your co-worker’s homemade fudge, you’re probably aware that bits of sugar are clinging to your mouth. But when you drink sweet wintertime beverages, your mouth is equally awash in sugar. Unfortunately, a sugary oral environment can increase your risk for tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Dr. Mark Miller, your Albuquerque general dentist, discusses three traditional holiday beverages and how they can bring more harm to your smile than joy.

Hot Cocoa and Hot Cider

Hot cocoa and hot cider are ubiquitous at this time of year. Whether you grab handmade, artisanal cocoa from your favorite local cafe or you throw a cinnamon stick in some cider and zap it in the microwave at home, both of their holiday favorites warm the soul and taste great. However, both are laden with sugar (especially if you garnish your cocoa with a generous helping of marshmallows).

Seasonal Coffee Favorites

Whether you’re a sucker for a pumpkin spice latte or you can’t wait for your peppermint mocha frappe fix, everyone has a coffee-house favorite during this time of year. Added syrups, whipped cream, and sweeteners boost the sugar content of these beverages. In addition, the fact that many of us sip them over the course of a morning or afternoon means that these sugars are in prolonged contact with our teeth.

Alcoholic Favorites

We get it, we get it! A glass of wine or champagne, a mug of Irish coffee, or an after-dinner port or brandy can make a holiday get-together all that much brighter. Of course, those alcoholic favorites still contain plenty of sugar, in addition to acids, that can soften tooth enamel and leave it vulnerable to decay.

Have Your Drink and a Healthy Smile Too!

Only the Grinch (or maybe Ebenezer Scrooge) would tell you not to enjoy an occasional holiday treat, whether you eat it or drink it. But when you do indulge, try to follow these guidelines after drinking:

• If possible, brush your teeth after eating or drinking sugary treats
• If brushing isn’t possible, chew sugarless gum, preferably a brand that contains xylitol (like Trident)
• At the very least, swish your mouth out with water to wash away sugar particles and freshen your mouth

About Your Albuquerque Dentist

At Snow Park Dental, Dr. Miller provides the preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dental care you need to help you enjoy optimal oral health and a beautiful smile. Contact us today at (505) 596-4479 to schedule a consultation or appointment at our Albuquerque NM dentist’s office. We proudly serve families from Rio Rancho, Corrales, Edgewood, Tijeras, Los Lunas, and surrounding communities.

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