Avoid a ‘Prosecco Smile’ this Christmas

Prosecco has become the drink of choice amongst women particularly and has become increasingly popular over the last few years due to its cost, sweetness and the fact it contains less calories than champagne.

But are you aware that prosecco is bad in particular for your teeth?

According to Professor Damien Walmsley, who is a scientific adviser for the British Dental Association, Prosecco is a triple whammy of carbonation,alcohol and sweetness, which may put your teeth at risk, resulting in sensitivity and enamel erosion. furthermore carbonated drinks gets their fizz from the release of carbon dioxide, which dissolves into carbonic acid. though this provides a refreshing taste it also cause the drink to be more acidic. In addition to that prosecco comes with around one teaspoon of sugar per flute.

Dr. Mervyn Druian, from the London Centre for Cosmetic Dentistry, has dubbed the harm caused as ‘Prosecco Smile’, which will start with a white line under the gum, if you probe this a little you will find it a bit soft, this suggests the beginning of tooth decay that leads to fillings and other dental work.

Patients who suffers from prosecco smile often reports increases tooth sensitivity. Dentist can tell whether the erosion in your mouth is caused by food or drink, because with drinks the front teeth are mostly in contact with the liquid and are first to be affected.

How can you avoid a Prosecco smile?

It is very dangerous to consume Prosecco between meals. If you consume acidic and sugary drinks and foods throughout the day, this subjects your teeth to constant acid attack. You don’t have to quit it entirely, but it is advisable to limit your intake only with a meal.

After a glass of Prosecco have a glass of water. This will wash the acid away.
By using straw plus avoiding swilling the liquid around your mouth also helps, since this reduces contact between your tooth enamel and the acidic liquid.

Having a piece of cheese after your glass can also help nullify the acidic effect.

The acidity in Prosecco damages the tooth enamel, which is weakened further by brushing teeth too early after drinking it. You should stay for at a minimum an hour before brushing teeth giving the enamel enough time to harden up again.

Last of all, ensure that you are visiting your dentist routinely. That will let us check your oral health and we can discern and inform you whether consuming Prosecco is affecting your teeth or not.