Champagne and Your Healthy Teeth

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For many, New Year’s Eve just wouldn’t be complete without a glass of champagne. Unfortunately, the bubbly beverage can have harmful effects Champagneon your healthy teeth, leading to stains and even enamel erosion. Of course, you probably don’t drink champagne on a daily basis, and an occasional glass on a special occasion will not harm your oral wellness. Nevertheless, it is important to be aware of how the drink affects your teeth. That way, you can take steps to counteract the effects and keep your smile healthy and bright throughout the coming year.

How Champagne Effects Your Healthy Teeth

You probably know that red wine is damaging to your teeth. The dark colored molecules can attach to your dental enamel, leading to discoloration. However, because champagne is light colored, you may assume that it is harmless. Actually, the beverage can have more ill effects that darkly pigmented merlot or cabernet.

Champagne is highly acidic, and acid is one of the most notorious causes of enamel erosion. As your enamel wears away, the underlying layer of dentin becomes exposed. This layer is much more porous than your enamel, so stain-producing substances can attach to it more easily. Additionally, dentin is naturally off-white. Therefore, routine consumption of acidic foods and drinks can significantly discolor your smile. More alarmingly, as the acid erodes your enamel, it will gradually eat into the deep layers of your previously healthy teeth, causing cavities.

Protecting Your Smile after a Glass of the Bubbly

As mentioned earlier, a single glass of champagne is not likely to harm your smile. Nevertheless, knowing the ill effects it can have on your healthy teeth, you may want to take some precautions this New Year’s Eve. After drinking champagne, rinse out your mouth with water to remove the lingering acidity. If possible, brush your teeth about thirty minutes after you finish. Of course, slipping away to brush in the middle of the festivities may not be possible. Consider bringing a pack of sugarless gum along with you. Gum can help to remove food and sugar from your mouth when brushing isn’t possible. Plus, your breath will be minty fresh for that midnight kiss.

ABOUT YOUR NORTH RICHLAND HILLS FAMILY DENTIST:

With over 25 years of professional experience, Dr. Steven M. Huffstutler and his caring team proudly provide exceptional preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dental treatment to patients and their families across Dallas/Ft. Worth, including North Richland Hills, Denton, the Mid-cities, Southlake, and all surrounding communities. We also have extensive experience helping patients find relief from painful TMJ disorders (various forms of jaw dysfunction). To schedule an appointment with Dr. Huffstutler, contact our office today by calling 817-918-3038.