‘I'm a Dentist, and This One Thing Causes More Cavities In January Than Anything Else’

If you’ve gone to the dentist recently and suddenly have some cavities, dentists may be able to explain a unique reason why.

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

The potential (and relatable and common) 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.

“The term ‘prosecco teeth’ came to be because prosecco has a pH of 3.25 and a lot of sugar,” says Dr. Joseph Hasso, a dentist with Taunton Village Dental. “However, the name is a misnomer because it refers to enamel erosion leading to more [cavities].”

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How exactly does that happen? Let’s ask another dentist.

“This combination can promote the growth of bacteria that produce enamel-eroding acids, ultimately weakening the enamel and increasing the power of tooth sensitivity,” explains Dr. Marie M. Jackson, DMD, FAGD, a practicing general dentist and dental expert for LISTERINE.

To break it down even further: Sugar is a food source for harmful bacteria that’s often found in plaque on the tooth surface (so friendly reminder to brush and floss regularly!), explains Dr. Kyle Gernhofer, dentist and founder of DenScore, which offers a free online dental tool. The bacteria break the sugar into acid, which attacks the enamel, which can lead to cavities.

Related: Should You Floss or Brush First? Dentists Reveal the Truth About Your Dental Routine

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

Those dental concerns may require cavity fillings and/or more frequent visits to the dentist’s office, neither of which are exactly cheap. Cavities that are left untreated may call for a crown or onlay, which is even more expensive, unfortunately.

Other Alcoholic Drinks That Increase Your Risk of Cavities

It’s important to note that prosecco isn’t the only alcoholic beverage that can cause this problem. “Almost any type of alcohol can be classified as dangerous for teeth,” Dr. Hasso says.

More specifically, dentists list wine, cider, beer, sweet cocktails and champagne as no-gos.

The risk is even greater, Dr. Hasso continues when these drinks are extra sweet or combined with highly acidic juices, like orange juice. (Sorry, brunches with bottomless mimosas!)

How To Minimize the Harms

Don’t like the idea of completely giving up alcohol for the sake of your teeth? These expert-backed tips might help.

Drink in moderation, if at all

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

Related: Here’s What Happens to Your Body if You Drink Beer Every Day

Dr. Gernhofer largely agrees. “Drinking in moderation—such as one to three drinks per week—is much less harmful to your teeth than drinking daily,” he says.

Opt for more tooth-friendly beverages

Some alcoholic drinks are worse than others for your teeth. Margaritas, gin and tonic, and light beer are better options, according to Dr. Hasso.

Dr. Jackson suggests clear liquor (like vodka or gin) mixed with water or club soda. These are also less likely to stain your teeth, she notes.

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

Drink plenty of water

Staying hydrated with plain water can also minimize acidity and microbiome disruption in the mouth, according to Dr. Jackson.

Use a straw

When consuming a beverage that’s acidic or sugary—like alcohol, coffee, soda or juice, for example—Dr. Jackson and Dr. Gernhofer 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, says Dr. Gernhofer. He mentions brushing your teeth, too, but waiting 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

You can get these at the dentist’s office. They mineralize enamel to strengthen it, Dr. Hasso explains, which can reverse the cavities in the first stages.

Related: Should You Try a Fluoride-Free Toothpaste? Here’s What a Dentist Says

Use fluoride-based toothpastes and mouthwashes

You can also get a healthy dose of fluoride with your at-home toothpaste. Sensodyne and Colgate Total are a couple of examples.

Some people may even be able to get a stronger fluoride toothpaste, such as Prevident, with a prescription from their dentist.

As far as mouthwash goes, Dr. Jackson recommends Listerine Total Care Alcohol-Free.

But again, your best bet is to limit—if not completely skip out on—sweet, acidic alcoholic beverages. Doing so lowers your cancer risk, too.

Up Next:

Related: The #1 Unexpected Habit That Causes Cavities, According to Dentist

Sources

• Dr. Joseph Hasso, a dentist with Taunton Village Dental

• Dr. Marie M. Jackson, DMD, FAGD, a practicing general dentist and dental expert for LISTERINE

• Dr. Kyle Gernhofer, dentist and founder of DenScore

• How to Choose Drinks That Are Good for Your Teeth, Penn Dental Family Practice