If you enjoy a sparkling drink—whether during the festive season or year-round—you might be unaware of the hidden damage it can cause to your teeth.
Dental expert Dr. Murray Pratt from Forever Dental and Skin warns that some popular beverages can quietly wreak havoc on your smile. Among these, prosecco stands out as one of the most damaging offenders due to its combination of elevated acidity and high sugar content.
“Prosecco is a very acidic drink—as are many white wines,” Dr. Pratt explains. “It’s hundreds of times more acidic than what’s needed to start softening tooth enamel, so even one glass can put your teeth under significant stress.”
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A telling sign that your prosecco habit might be harming your teeth is the appearance of a faint white line near the gum line. Dr. Pratt notes, “If you press that area and it feels slightly soft, that’s an early stage of decay. If left untreated, it can lead to cavities, fillings, and more invasive dental treatments.”
Fortunately, there are simple ways to enjoy your favorite drinks while minimizing damage to your teeth. One effective method is to drink through a straw, which helps keep acidic liquids away from your enamel. Additionally, consuming food alongside your drinks, especially cheese, can neutralize acids and stimulate saliva production—which naturally protects tooth enamel.
Dr. Pratt adds, “Saliva is your mouth’s defense system, constantly working to safeguard your teeth.”
Prosecco isn’t the only drink that can harm your smile. Dark beers such as stout can cause yellowing due to the strong pigments from darker malts that cling to tooth enamel over time—even with regular brushing.
Red wine is another common culprit, but Dr. Pratt points out the real danger often lies in mixers. “Sugary, acidic mixers like cola, lemonade, energy drinks, syrups, and orange juice bathe teeth in sugar and acid, creating the perfect environment for cavity-causing bacteria.”
To protect your smile while still enjoying alcoholic beverages, consider lighter options such as gin and tonic or lighter beers with higher water content.
With mindful choices and care, you can savor your drinks without compromising your dental health.