Don’t Let Festive Drinks Ruin Your Smile This Season
The holiday season brings cozy gatherings, sparkling parties, and an endless parade of festive beverages. From hot cocoa and cider to mulled wine and peppermint lattes, there’s no shortage of treats to sip your way through December. But have you ever wondered which holiday drinks are the worst for your teeth—and which ones barely make a dent?
Today, the dental team at Thomas W. Kauffman, DDS, PC in Atlanta, led by Dr. Thomas Kauffman, is breaking down the best and worst holiday beverages from a dental-health perspective. Whether you want to protect your smile, avoid sensitivity, or keep stains at bay before your big holiday photos, this guide will help you sip smarter this season.
To learn more or to schedule your dental appointment, contact our dental practice in Atlanta at (404) 524-1981.
Holiday Drinks Ranked Worst to Best for Your Teeth
1. Mulled Wine
Warm, spiced, and delicious—mulled wine is a holiday favorite. But from a dental standpoint, it’s a triple threat:
- Highly acidic, which weakens enamel
- Deeply pigmented, making teeth prone to staining
- Often sweetened, increasing cavity risk
- Served warm, which opens enamel pores and amplifies staining
How to reduce damage: Take water breaks, avoid swishing wine in your mouth, and rinse with water before brushing.
2. Eggnog
Creamy, comforting, and… cavity-causing?
Eggnog is thick and high in sugar, which means it clings to teeth longer than most beverages. Adding alcohol (which causes dry mouth) or whipped toppings exacerbates the enamel-damaging effects.
Enjoy it wisely: Keep your portion small, drink water afterward, and avoid sipping it slowly over hours.
3. Hot Apple Cider
A classic cold-weather drink—but a tough one for teeth.
- Acidic like soda
- Loaded with sugar
- Often simmered with syrups or caramel flavors
This combination erodes enamel while feeding cavity-causing bacteria.
Dentist tip: Drink it in one sitting instead of sipping it for an hour or more.
4. Peppermint Mochas and Holiday Lattes
Delicious? Absolutely. Tooth-friendly? Not so much.
The mix of coffee (staining), milk sugars, flavored syrups, whipped cream, and chocolate makes these drinks high-risk.
Sipping a sugary latte all morning also means your teeth are under attack for hours.
Better options:
- Ask for fewer syrup pumps
- Choose sugar-free flavors
- Opt for non-staining drinks if you’re whitening your teeth soon
- Use a straw (for iced versions)
5. Champagne and Sparkling Wine
Perfect for holiday toasts—but sparkling wine deserves caution.
- Carbonation = acidity
- Alcohol = dry mouth
- Light staining (less than red wine but still present)
That fuzzy feeling on your teeth after bubbly? That’s mild enamel softening.
Reduce the impact: Pair champagne with cheese to help neutralize acids naturally.
6. Hot Chocolate
One of the more smile-friendly holiday treats, hot chocolate is generally lower in acidity but can be high in sugar.
However:
- Milk helps neutralize acids
- Dark chocolate versions contain less sugar
- Adding marshmallows or syrup increases cavity risk
Enjoy it smartly: Choose dark chocolate mixes and sip water after your cup.
7. Spiced Herbal Teas
Surprisingly tooth-friendly—as long as they’re unsweetened.
Herbal teas like cinnamon, ginger, or clove blends are:
- Low in acidity
- Naturally antibacterial
- Warm and soothing without added sugar
However, darker teas can stain if consumed frequently.
Tip: Skip added honey or sugar when possible.
8. Plain Milk—The Winner
It’s not flashy, but plain milk is the most tooth-friendly holiday drink on the list.
Why?
- Low acidity
- Rich in calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus
- Neutralizes acids from sweets
- Doesn’t stain
It’s a great “final drink” to protect enamel after enjoying desserts.
How We Ranked These Drinks
To give you accurate guidance, Dr. Thomas Kauffman evaluated each beverage based on:
- Sugar Content: Sugar feeds cavity-causing bacteria that produce enamel-dissolving acids.
- Acidity Level (pH): Acidic drinks soften enamel, making teeth more prone to decay and sensitivity.
- Pigmentation: Drinks with dark coloring cause staining.
- Stickiness and Consistency: Thicker liquids stay on teeth longer, increasing the risk.
- Frequency of Sipping: Sipping over an extended period is more harmful than drinking something quickly.
Tips to Enjoy Holiday Drinks Without Harming Your Teeth
You don’t have to swear off your favorites—just follow these smart-sip strategies:
- Drink Water Between Sips: Neutralizes acid and washes away sugar.
- Don’t Brush Immediately After Acidic Drinks: Wait 30 minutes so enamel can reharden.
- Use a Straw When Possible: Reduces contact with front teeth.
- Chew Sugar-Free Gum: Increases saliva flow, which protects enamel.
- Avoid Sipping Sugary Drinks for Hours: Constant exposure means steady enamel breakdown.
When to See Your Dentist During the Holiday Season
The holidays are one of the best times to schedule dental visits—especially if:
- You notice new stains
- You’re experiencing sensitivity
- You want whitening for holiday photos
- You want a fresh cleaning before festivities
- You need to use your dental benefits before they expire
Thomas W. Kauffman, DDS, PC is here to help with preventive care, cleanings, whitening, and smile tune-ups throughout the season. Call our dental practice in Atlanta (404) 524-1981 to schedule your visit today.
Sip Smart, Smile Bright
You don’t have to avoid your favorite holiday drinks—just make informed choices and practice good oral habits. With the right approach, you can enjoy every warm, cozy, and sparkling moment of the season while keeping your smile bright.
Before your next holiday trip, schedule a dental visit at Thomas W. Kauffman, DDS, PC in Atlanta. Call our dental practice in Atlanta at (404) 524-1981 today to book your appointment with Dr. Thomas Kauffman and keep your smile bright all season long!