Home LivingWellnessThese are the worst alcoholic drinks for your teeth, according to a dentistIs your beverage of choice doing more harm than you think?When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Home LivingWellnessThese are the worst alcoholic drinks for your teeth, according to a dentistIs your beverage of choice doing more harm than you think?When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Is your beverage of choice doing more harm than you think?
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Pexels)
(Image credit: Pexels)
Let’s face it, having a drink after a long week can really take the edge off things. With more and more scientific research emerging around the effects of alcohol, there are even some options now that are healthier than others - check out our list of the5 healthiest alcoholic drinksif you’re interested. However, when it comes to dental care, let’s just say it’s not as positive as you’d hope.
Keep reading to find out which alcoholic drinks you should be avoiding for the sake of your teeth…
1. Vodka cranberry
It’s also well-known that vodka has a drying effect on the mouth, which can be harmful when consumed in large volumes. Saliva protects your teeth from damage so if the vodka dries your mouth out, your teeth will be vulnerable to enamel erosion.
2. Bloody Mary
Tomato juice is a highly acidic beverage, meaning consuming Bloody Marys makes you prone to enamel erosion and tooth decay. Lemon juice is often added to enhance the flavour which increases the chance of these effects happening even more. The strong colour also has a chance of staining your teeth - it doesn’t sound great, does it?
3. Prosecco
Prosecco is very good at eroding both the protective enamel on the tooth’s surface and the dentine underneath, leaving drinkers at risk of damaged and discoloured teeth. Its sugary and acidic content is why it has a reputation among dentists, no matter how lovely it may taste!
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
4. Whiskey and coke
Coca-Cola, with its harsh mix of carbonation and sugar, has a pH level of 2.5, indicating how acidic it really is. Whiskies are also moderately acidic, mostly falling in the pH 3 - 4.5 range. Both whiskey and coke are dark in colour, worsening the risk for surface-level stains.
5. Cider
Whether it’s your standardapplecider or another flavoured variety, all ciders have a high acid content. This can contribute to acid wear and will potentially destroy the enamel of your teeth, increasing your risk of developing tooth decay.
What can you do to protect your teeth whilst drinking alcohol?
- Dilute your intake
Put some ice in your drink or consume a glass of water in between alcoholic beverages. It will help cleanse your teeth from any nasty residue.
- Use a straw
This will reduce contact time between the drink and your teeth, preventing any acids from lingering. It will also keep your lipstick in tact (see, useful hey?)
- Chew gum
Chewing gum between drinks increases saliva flow and can neutralise some of the acid.
- Use a little mouthwash
After your last drink, have a swish of mouthwash to boost the recovery speed of your teeth.
Looking for some more dentistry knowledge? Have a look at these3 foods you should never eat first thing in the morning, according to dentists.
PS5 could finally be getting Gears of War and Halo after game-changing decisionThe age of exclusives is coming to an end
The age of exclusives is coming to an end
Samsung’s latest laptops changed my mind about AI – here’s whyThe Galaxy Book 5 Pro and Galaxy Book 5 360 are AI wunderkinds
The Galaxy Book 5 Pro and Galaxy Book 5 360 are AI wunderkinds
Sonic Spa Pro review: an impressive dental appliance cleaner with sparkly resultsThe Sonic Spa Pro cleans all kinds of dental appliances, but how effective are the results?
The Sonic Spa Pro cleans all kinds of dental appliances, but how effective are the results?
5 of the healthiest alcoholic drinks revealedIf consumed in moderation, these alcoholic drinks can be enjoyed guilt-free!
If consumed in moderation, these alcoholic drinks can be enjoyed guilt-free!
