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One word can sum up the Christmas season: indulgence. With adults off work and children off school, enjoying delicious foods and drinks is standard procedure. Everyone has their favourite, from stuffing sandwiches to mulled wine. There are yule logs and Christmas puddings, pigs-in-blankets and gingerbreads. But, as fun as having all these festive treats is, Christmas can be a bad time for your teeth.
Alcohol problems
Alcohol is a staple of Christmas celebrations for many people. 61% of UK drinkers indulge in more alcohol at Christmas than they usually do. The average man admits to having six drinks on Christmas Day alone. The average woman has four-and-a-half. Whilst Christmas Day is worth toasting with family and friends, it is just one day in a busy social calendar.
Many have other get-togethers with family and friends in the run-up to Christmas, and into the new year. Workplaces Christmas parties are also popular, but 33% of people feel pressured to drink at these. This is higher than the 29% who feel the same towards New Year’s Eve.
Staining, sugar and acid
For protecting your oral health, identifying the risky drinks is key. For instance, mulled wine is a seasonal classic with drawbacks. Red wine forms the base of a mulled wine and contains pigments that gives it the purplish colour. It also contains compounds called tannins. Think of these as a glue that binds the purple pigments to the teeth. This is why people have purple teeth after drinking red wine. Stained teeth mean a stained smile.
In mulled wine, the staining quality is not the only threat. Added citrus fruits like oranges increase the acidity of the drink. Combined with the sugar content, this makes mulled wine harmful to the teeth. When drinking red or mulled wine over Christmas, be sure to rinse your mouth afterwards. This will help prevent staining, keeping your smile bright for Christmas photos.
Sparkling wines are very popular for toasting in the New Year. It is worth remembering that each flute of prosecco contains about one teaspoon of sugar. The high acidity of sparkling wines and their sugar content increases the risk of tooth decay. Like staining, tooth decay can impact facial aesthetics. To continue looking and feeling great, remember to drink water afterwards. This should keep your mouth free of acids until you brush your teeth later on.
Dangerous snacking and healthy alternatives
Chocolate is as synonymous with Christmas as Santa Claus. Brits spend £52.8 million on chocolate over the festive season. This includes big tins, selection boxes, luxury gifts and advent calendars. Chocolate’s high sugar content makes it a factor for tooth decay, effecting aesthetics and function. As eating chocolate becomes a daily habit across December, regular toothbrushing is extra important at this time.
Another popular part of Christmas is the array of finger foods. These include crisps, cheese twists, and dips. These can be quite sticky for the teeth, leading to small food particles getting trapped between the teeth. This can lead to tooth decay if left there. A healthier alternative is nuts. Peanuts and walnuts contain nutrients like calcium and vitamin D; these are great for keeping the teeth and gums strong.
A moderate amount of cheese is also recommended over the Christmas period. Rich in calcium, cheese can help neutralise acidic damage to the teeth. This will help kill harmful bacteria.
After a long year, indulging in festive foods and seasonal spirits makes sense. It is important to enjoy the celebrations whilst also controlling what you eat and drink. With an effective oral hygiene routine, you can protect your oral health and not feel guilty about eating that last chocolate. Keep your smile bright this Christmas.
⏰ Smile hack: When you brush matters
Did you know it’s not just how long you brush — but when you brush — that makes a difference? Maggie shares an important smile hack about timing your toothbrushing properly.
Brushing straight after eating — especially after acidic foods or drinks like fruit, juice or coffee — can actually do more harm than good. Your enamel is slightly softened, and brushing immediately can cause wear.
Maggie explains the best time to brush and why waiting can help protect your teeth long term.
It’s a small change that can make a big difference to your oral health.
How do braces actually work? 🤔
In the latest video from our Two Thirty series, Lisa explains exactly how braces move teeth — and why treatment takes time.
If you’ve ever wondered how gentle pressure can gradually straighten your smile, or what’s happening behind the scenes during orthodontic treatment, this short video breaks it down in a clear and easy-to-understand way.
Whether you’re considering braces for yourself or your child, understanding the process can make the journey feel much more reassuring.
Watch the full video now and, if you have questions about braces, our reception team will be happy to help you book a consultation at Evolve Dentistry in Portishead.
Have you got an old filling on a front tooth that’s starting to discolour?
Andrea recently visited us to have a stained filling replaced by Richard — and she’s absolutely thrilled with the result.
In her video, she talks about how the old filling had become noticeable over time and how much fresher and more natural her smile looks now.
Sometimes it’s the small changes that make the biggest difference to your confidence.
If you’re unhappy with an old filling, contact our reception team to book a consultation and explore your options.
Thinking about improving your smile but not sure what SmileFast actually involves?
Richard Ford has recorded a short video explaining how the SmileFast process works and the benefits of treatment.
From digital smile design through to the final result, SmileFast offers a minimally invasive way to enhance chipped, worn or uneven teeth — with predictable, natural-looking outcomes.
If you’ve been curious about composite bonding or want to understand your options, this is a great place to start.
Watch the full video on our YouTube channel and contact our reception team if you’d like to book a consultation.
Life gets busy — we get it.
If your healthy mouth review has slipped down the to-do list, this is your gentle reminder 💚
We’re here to help you stay healthy, comfortable and smiling with confidence.
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🕝 The Two Thirty series
Are sleep apnoea mouthguards effective? 😴
Yes — for many people with mild to moderate sleep apnoea, they can work really well.
In this video, Maggie explains how mouthguards help, and why more severe cases may need further assessment through a medical sleep service.
Clear answers to important questions — watch now 👆
#TheTwoThirty #DentalAdvice #SleepApnoea #BetterSleep #DentalFAQs
🕝 The Two Thirty series
Is fluoride good for your teeth? 🪥
Yes — and Carol explains why in this quick video.
She also shares some reassurance: every main toothpaste brand you’ll find in the supermarket contains fluoride, so you don’t need anything fancy to look after your teeth well.
Straightforward answers to everyday dental questions.
Watch now
#TheTwoThirty #DentalAdvice #OralHealthTips #Fluoride #DentalFAQs
