(952) 431-5774
14682 Pennock Avenue Apple Valley, MN 55124
BlogPress ReleaseForms / PrivacyRequest an AppointmentReview Us!Pay Your Bill
Dakota Dental and Wellness Center, A Different Kind of Dentistry
  • Get to Know Dakota Dental
    • Reviews
    • Preventative Care Program
      • Dental Sealant Services
      • Education
    • Patient Resources
      • After Treatment Instructions
      • Books For Kids
      • Answers About Flouride
      • 1st Filling
      • 1st Visit
    • Community Outreach
    • Financing Options
    • Ask A Question
  • Dental Services
    • Invisalign
    • Implants
      • All-On-Four® Dental Implants
      • Dental Implant Consultation
      • Dental Implant FAQ
      • Dental Implant Surgery
      • Fixed Teeth vs. Removable
      • Full Mouth Dental Implants
      • Metal-Free Dental Implants
    • Crowns
    • Bridges
    • Dentures
    • Gum Disease Treatment
    • Oral Surgery & Extractions
    • Dental Emergencies
    • Root Canal
    • Fillings
    • Kids & Parents
      • Sealants
      • Preventative Care
    • Sedation Dentistry
  • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Veneers And Bonding
    • Replacing Fillings
    • Restoration
    • Teeth Whitening
  • Holistic Wellness
    • Ozone Treatment
    • Sleep Apnea Treatment
    • Metal-Free Dental Implants
    • Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (SMART)
  • Contact Us
    • Request an Appointment
Holiday cocktail substitutions that won't harm your teeth

Holiday Cocktail Substitutions That Won’t Harm Your Teeth

December 18, 2018Dakota DentalDental Tips

The holidays are known for mixing families, festive sweaters, and classic cocktails together to spread some cheer. Perhaps your calendar is already packed until January with family get-togethers, office parties, and evenings out with close friends. As it’s likely alcohol will be present at most of these social gatherings, be sure to limit your alcohol consumption to ensure your smile is both shiny and bright well into the new year!

Why Do Holiday Cocktails Damage Teeth?

If you already practice good oral health, then you know sugar is your teeth and gum’s natural nemeses. Sugar feeds bacteria and produces acid that eats away at your teeth’s enamel, causing tooth decay. To prevent this from happening, our saliva helps neutralize the process by rinsing our mouths and removing plaque buildup. Alcohol, however, dehydrates your mouth, reducing your salvia production and making it easier for bacteria and acid to erode teeth and irritate your gums—which means sugar combined with alcohol can only spell trouble for your dental health this season.

The good news is there are ways to improve your favorite holiday cocktails that prevent them from harming your smile.

Tips for Substituting Ingredients in Your Favorite Holiday Cocktails and Beverages:

Switch Out the Sugar: Sugars from cream liquors, sodas, and juices are traditionally found in alcoholic beverages, especially during the holidays. Try to limit these mixers or switch them out for better alternatives. For example, instead of using soda, try sparkling water. If your cocktail recipe calls for juice, use real fruit (like strawberries) instead and blend it with ice to help dilute the sugar and still give your beverage its sweet, natural taste.

Skip the Eggnog: Although a holiday classic, eggnog should definitely be on Santa’s naughty list. Packed with sugar, dairy, and brandy, eggnog is a recipe for bad dental health. If you must indulge in this treat, be sure to do it sparingly and brush your teeth afterward.

Stay Away from Darker Spirits: Whiskey and rum can be rough on your enamel and can even stain your teeth. If you’re planning to use a spirit in a cocktail, use clearer spirits with low acidity like gin.

Stick to Drinks with Low Acidity: As mentioned above, you want to choose beverages with lower acidity to reduce the onset of tooth decay. If you prefer beer over cocktails, try low carb alternatives that are light in color and higher in water content.

In addition to substituting certain ingredients, remember to drink water in-between cocktails to help remove plaque. You’ll also want to practice brushing and flossing every night to prevent buildup and the spread of bacteria. It’s also recommended that you get your teeth cleaned regularly (especially before the holidays), so your teeth are smoother, making it difficult for stains to set in.

For more tips on dental health during the holidays or to schedule a tooth whitening appointment in time for the new year, contact Dakota Dental today!

Tags: Healthy Teeth, holiday dental tips, holiday drinks to avoid

Related Articles

Survive the Post-Halloween Candy Rush With These Tips

November 3, 2017Dakota Dental

This is National Smile Month in the U.K.

June 5, 2015Dakota Dental

Is Paying More For Toothpaste Really Worth it?

September 4, 2015Dakota Dental

Recent Posts

  • How to Scrape Your Tongue (According to the Experts)
  • How Does Well Water Affect Teeth?
  • Tooth Truth or Mouth Myth: Can Baking Soda Whiten Teeth?
  • Creating Your Kid’s Brushing Routine
  • Handling a Dental Emergency During Holiday Travel

Categories

  • Dental Tips
  • Our Clinic
  • Press Release

DakotaDental_2019_Final_Logo_Reversed

At Dakota Dental we want each patient to know they are part of our family. Our goal is that every person leaves with a smile that is not only healthy, but one which they can be proud of.

Dakota Dental Clinic P.A., complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

Language Information
  • The Language Assistant Statement
  • The Top 15 Languages in Minnesota

Care Credit

Forms

  • Patient Info/Health History Form
  • Privacy Policy

Contact Dakota Dental

14682 Pennock Avenue Apple Valley, MN 55124
(952) 431-5774
Facebook
Google+
Yelp
Request an Appointment!
Copyright © 2019 Dakota Dental | Powered by Brandography