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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.