As New Year’s Eve celebrations sparkle with champagne, prosecco, and fizzy cocktails, dentists are cautioning about a growing oral health concern that has come to be known as “prosecco teeth.” While these bubbly beverages may bring joy to your festivities, they can also lead to tooth damage, discoloration, and discomfort.
Dr. Sahil Patel, founder of Marylebone Smile Clinic in London, highlighted that dental issues, particularly tooth decay affecting the front incisors, tend to rise during the festive season. “Prosecco presents a unique set of challenges due to its combination of sweetness, high sugar content, acidity, and carbonation,” Dr. Patel explained. “These factors make it a widely consumed, yet potentially harmful drink.”
Although sales of sparkling wines have dipped this year compared to 2023, experts predict prosecco will see a notable holiday surge in sales, surpassing champagne in popularity due to its lower price point. But while prosecco is budget-friendly, it poses significant risks to dental health.
The drink’s acidic nature comes from carbonic acid, which forms when carbon dioxide dissolves in water, creating the familiar bubbles. This acidity can wear down the enamel of teeth, while sugar acts as food for harmful bacteria in the mouth, releasing acids that further erode enamel. The result? Weakened enamel that leaves teeth more susceptible to cavities, increased sensitivity, and a higher likelihood of yellowing, chipping, or even breaking.
Alcohol, another ingredient in prosecco, can exacerbate the problem by causing dry mouth, which increases plaque buildup and further heightens the risk of cavities.
The concerns extend beyond prosecco. According to the Harriman Implant Center in New York, other wines, including riesling, are also problematic due to their acidity. Tooth enamel begins to erode when the pH in the mouth drops below 5.5, and prosecco’s pH level hovers around 3.25—far lower than the 5.5 threshold necessary to protect enamel. This acidity is comparable to that found in many sodas and is up to 175 times more potent than what’s needed to break down tooth enamel.
Early detection of enamel erosion is critical to preventing long-term damage. Signs to watch for include tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks, as well as teeth that appear yellow, rough, or have thin edges.
As the holiday season continues, dental experts recommend practicing good oral hygiene, drinking plenty of water to counteract dryness, and considering moderation to keep your smile healthy well into the new year.
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