From stain-inducing red wine to prosecco making your whole mouth feel fuzzy, party season socialising is a dentist's nightmare. So we've come up with ways on how to protect your teeth this long weekend.
Swap red wine and cola drinks
Switching to light coloured alcoholic drinks is less likely to cause staining, white wine may not be the best swap though. White wine and prosecco won't necessarily cause staining, however, if you have an after-dinner coffee following white wine, you are more likely to get staining as the acid from the wine makes the chromogenic staining agents from the coffee more likely to get into the teeth.
Tuck into a cheeseboard
Although not the best for your waistline, cheese is excellent for teeth, especially after drinking something sugary or acidic: Cheese is alkaline and helps to neutralise plaque acids that cause tooth decay, therefore, returning the mouth back to a neutral healthy pH.
Drink through a straw
This helps to reduce the contact of drinks on your teeth, protecting them from the bubbles (or acids) in your favourite festive tipple. It also helps to minimise the risk of staining from darker beverages.
Wear red lipstick
A popular choice for women all year round. Pick a lipstick with a blue undertone to help make your teeth appear whiter.
Clean and polish
A treatment with a hygienist can help remove unwanted stains on the outside of the teeth, brightening your smile in only one appointment.
