The worst alcoholic drinks for your teeth

There’s nothing quite like an evening in the sunshine with a cold glass of rose or a fruity cocktail! We all like a drink now and then despite alcohol awareness campaigns teaching us about potential liver damage but have you ever considered the damage your favourite tipple is doing to your teeth?

Dental care probably isn’t at the top of your mind when you take that first refreshing sip but it really should be something you consider. If you’re wondering how to keep your teeth healthy and avoid acid wear and discolouration, here are a few of the worst offending alcoholic beverages.

Mixers

Almost as bad as the alcohol itself, what you mix with it can have a big impact on the appearance of your teeth. Some of the classic mixers such as Coke, orange juice, lemonade and sugar syrups have high acidity and sugar content, which wear away the enamel. It’s far better to stick to tonic or soda water if you want to save your smile (and the calories!).

Liquors

All those liquors like Malibu may taste delicious but that’s largely down to the high sugar content. By comparison, plain old gin or vodka don’t carry the same overload of sugars and are therefore ‘healthier’. They’re also clear liquids which means they’re less likely to stain your teeth.

Dark beers

Stouts and ales are among the worst offenders when it comes to discolouring your teeth, in much the same way black coffee is off the list. If you do like your beers, then one of our top teeth whitening tips is to switch to paler ales.

Ciders

Whether it’s your standard apple cider or another flavoured variety, all ciders have a high acid content, which can contribute to acid wear and destroy the enamel of your teeth, making it easy for bacteria to find their way into your teeth and increase your risk of developing tooth decay.

Prosecco

Bad news for lovers of the bubbles; Prosecco is our number one alcoholic drink to shun if you want the perfect smile. Prosecco packs a triple punch when it comes to the bad stuff, containing sugar, acid and bubbles. In fact, there’s around half a teaspoon of sugar in each flute.

If you’re worried about the appearance of your teeth, then we’re here to help. We can provide you with the best dental care available, so get in touch today to ensure your smile is kept at its best.