During the holidays…doctors warn of the danger of prosecco on the teeth

The dental community warns that sparkling drinks popular during the holiday season, such as prosecco, cava and champagne, may cause noticeable damage to teeth.

With Christmas just around the corner, many people enter the season of partying and celebrations, and raising glasses of bubbly drinks is often an essential part of the atmosphere.

But if you’re a fan of bubbles, it might be wise to pay more attention to your dental health. Dentists warn of a phenomenon known as the “Prosecco smile,” as a result of the high sugar content and fizzing effect in these drinks.

Although not all alcohol is friendly to the teeth, prosecco and other sparkling wines may be more harmful, especially when consumed frequently.

Why is prosecco bad for teeth?

Dr. Sam Jethwa, President of the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, explains that alcohol causes dryness in the mouth, which reduces the production of saliva necessary to wash away bacteria.
But prosecco and similar drinks become more dangerous due to the high sugar content and the presence of carbonic acid resulting from the fizz.

This acid can weaken tooth enamel (the hard outer layer), leading over time to:

Tooth sensitivity

Its color changed

Increased risk of cavities and even tooth loss

Dr. Sahil Patel adds that dentists notice an increase in cases of front tooth decay during the holiday season, because prosecco is a popular drink, sweet in taste, rich in sugar, acidic and carbonated, and easy to consume in large quantities.

Signs that may indicate that you suffer from “prosecco smile”

The most prominent symptoms that you should pay attention to are:

Sharp pain or tingling when consuming hot, cold or sweet drinks or foods

Yellowing of teeth due to the erosion of enamel and the appearance of dentin underneath

A feeling that the edges of the teeth have become rough or thinner than usual

The appearance of small holes or discomfort resulting from tooth decay

How do you avoid the “Prosecco smile” during the holiday season?

Avoid Pax Fizz: The combination of acidic orange juice and fizz is extremely harmful to the teeth.

Chew sugar-free gum between drinks to stimulate saliva production.

Drink more water between glasses of prosecco, preferably passing it in your mouth to relieve acidity.

Switch up the type of drink: If prosecco isn’t essential, choose a non-sparkling wine or something less acidic.

Use a straw to reduce the contact of the acidic liquid with the teeth.

Say yes to a cheese plate: Cheese helps neutralize acids in the mouth.

Do not brush your teeth immediately after drinking: wait about 30 minutes because the enamel is weakened by acidity, and brushing immediately may increase its erosion.