If you’ve gone to the dentist recently and needed some work done, we may be able to explain a unique reason why.

It may be especially likely if you’ve been attending lots of parties, drinking cocktails at holiday events, or relaxing after a stressful start to the year with a happy-hour drink or two!

The potential cause is explained by the term “prosecco teeth.”

What Is ‘Prosecco Teeth’?

Basically, we’re talking about teeth that have been negatively affected by drinking lots of prosecco. 

How exactly does that happen?

Prosecco has a pH of 3.25 and a lot of sugar.  This combination can promote the growth of bacteria that produce enamel-eroding acids, ultimately weakening the enamel and increasing the power of tooth sensitivity.

Sugar is a food source for harmful bacteria that’s often found in plaque on the tooth surface.  The bacteria break the sugar into acid, which attacks the enamel which can lead to decay.

In addition to the risks posed by sugar, alcoholic drinks that are carbonated or highly acidic can erode the tooth’s outer enamel layer.  This erosion can lead to tooth sensitivity, an increased risk of decay and tooth discolouration due to the exposure of the underlying yellowish dentin. (Dentin is the layer under the enamel.)

Those dental concerns may require fillings and/or more frequent visits to the dentist. Decay that is left untreated may call for a crown which can be expensive.

Other Alcoholic Drinks That Increase Your Risk of Cavities

It’s important to note that prosecco isn’t the only alcoholic drink that can cause this problem. Almost any type of alcohol can be classified as problematic for teeth.

This includes wine, cider, beer, sweet cocktails and champagne.

The risk is even greater when these drinks are extra sweet or combined with highly acidic juices like orange juice.  No more bottomless brunches for me!

How To Minimise the Harm

Don’t like the idea of completely giving up alcohol for the sake of your teeth? 

These top tips might help:

Drink in moderation, if at all

While no type of alcohol is going to be great for your teeth,  if you’re going to drink, don’t drink daily or long-term—that increases your risk.

Drinking one to three drinks per week is much less harmful to your teeth than drinking daily.

Choose more tooth-friendly options

Some alcoholic drinks are worse than others for your teeth. Margaritas, gin and tonic and light beer are better options. Consider clear liquor like vodka or gin mixed with water or soda water.  These are also less likely to stain your teeth.

As far as non-alcoholic drinks that aren’t bad for your teeth, consider water, milk, black tea and green tea.

Drink plenty of water

Staying hydrated with plain water can also minimise acidity and microbiome disruption in the mouth.

Use a straw

When consuming a drink that’s acidic or sugary—like alcohol, coffee, fizzy drink or juice, we recommend using a straw to decrease the contact between the drink and your teeth. While it’s not an all-perfect solution, it helps a little.

Rinse with water afterward

After consuming something high in sugar, acid or carbonation, rinse your mouth with water. Remember to brush your teeth too but wait 30 minutes to do so—otherwise, you may brush the acid further into the teeth, increasing the harmful risks to your enamel.

Get fluoride treatments

They mineralise enamel to strengthen it and can reverse the decay in the first stages. Talk to us about this to find out more.