Have a Healthier Holiday by Avoiding These 3 Festive Beverages

Whether it is traveling to visit family or spending time at home with friends, this time of year has a way of bringing people together. While food, holiday drinks, and move marathons are often on the agenda, you may be thinking about ways to indulge less so that you can enjoy a healthier, cavity-free smile in the new year. To help you navigate the endless sugary treats around you, here are 3 beverages to steer clear of this holiday season.

Warming Up with Hot Chocolate

Who doesn’t love a hearty mug full of warm milk, rich chocolate, and overflowing marshmallows? Hot chocolate might be one of the more popular holiday drinks to consume, but it can wreak havoc on your pearly whites. Here’s why:

While milk does have its benefits – it’s full of calcium – it’s the chocolate and marshmallows that make this a drink to avoid. The sugar and cocoa are notorious for clearing a path that will lead straight to cavity formations. As bacteria thrive, plaque and tartar will eat away at the enamel, creating small holes over time.

Calming Down with a Glass of Wine

It might be a great pairing with your festive meal; however, too much wine can open the door to cavities and tooth decay.

Many white and red wines contain high amounts of sugar and are naturally acidic. These combine to cause enamel erosion, which only leads to cavities and tooth sensitivity. Also, red wine contains what are known as tannins, which can leave stains on your teeth, causing them to appear dull and yellow.

Throwing a Few Hard Spirits & Liquors Back

Maybe your family or friends enjoy bourbon and whiskey as opposed to wine or beer. No matter the alcoholic beverage of choice, it’s important to remember that it can easily dry out your mouth.

While this might not seem like a big deal, the reality is that a dry mouth can lead to a haven for bad oral bacteria. If left untreated, it can increase your risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. Keeping your salivary glands working properly is necessary if you want to flush out anything that might cause harm to your teeth and gums.

While enjoying a single glass might not be too damaging, you’ll want to make sure that you brush, floss, and rinse your mouth regularly, no matter the type of drink you have this holiday season. Water will always be your best friend when it comes to staying hydrated. Not to mention, it is ideal for preventing dry mouth and harmful particles from burrowing into your smile.

About the Practice
At McComb Family Dental, our team of experts is here to help you navigate the holidays. Realizing that sugary foods and beverages are on the tables in virtually everyone’s home this season, we can make recommendations to help keep your pearly whites and soft tissues safe while spending the holidays with family and friends. Contact us at (419) 293-2335 to schedule an appointment and find out what we can do for you.