“These types of drinks create an acidic environment in the mouth, which can erode tooth enamel. In addition, the pigments in red wine or cava aggravate surface stains, while the sugar contained in these drinks feeds the bacteria responsible for tooth decay,” explains Sara Rueda, a nutritionist at Sanitas. “In this situation, it is essential to control your intake to avoid causing lasting damage that requires resorting to treatments such as dental fillings or enamel reconstruction,” adds Rueda.

In this regard, Michelle Pawly, a dentist in the Innovation and Quality of Care department at Sanitas Dental, recommends following a series of guidelines to mitigate its impact on oral health:

- Rinse with water after each toast: it helps neutralize the acidic pH caused by alcoholic beverages, protecting the enamel from erosion. It is worth mentioning that this simple habit also eliminates traces of pigments that stain teeth and reduces the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth.

- Use a straw to drink: this is advisable to reduce the contact of liquids with the teeth and minimize the likelihood of stains and prolonged exposure to acids. On the other hand, it is especially useful for people with weakened tooth enamel or a tendency to sensitivity.

- Choose mouthwashes with fluoride: mouthwashes with this mineral help remineralize tooth enamel, strengthening it against acid attacks from drinks such as champagne or wine. This reinforcement is key to preventing cavities and keeping teeth protected during periods of frequent consumption.

- Avoid combining drinks with citrus foods: fruits such as lemon or orange increase the acidity in the mouth when combined with alcoholic beverages, which increases the risk of dental erosion. Therefore, limiting this combination is an effective way to protect enamel during Christmas meals.

- Eat foods that stimulate saliva and strengthen enamel: including crunchy foods such as apples or carrots contributes to a natural cleaning of teeth, eliminating food remains and bacteria. Likewise, the Blua nutritionist from Sanitas adds that “eating cheese, which is rich in calcium and phosphates, strengthens tooth enamel, while nuts provide beneficial nutrients such as vitamin E, magnesium and essential fatty acids for oral health.”

- Chill drinks before consuming them: drinking at lower temperatures is less harmful because it mitigates the risk of irritation to teeth and gums.

“Once the holidays are over, it is essential to schedule an appointment with the dentist, either in person or via video consultation, to assess the state of the mouth. During the check-up, initial conditions that go unnoticed can be detected, such as small fissures or incipient cavities that, if not treated in time, can seriously harm oral health. In addition, it is a good opportunity to plan preventive or corrective treatments that allow you to start the year with a healthy mouth” concludes Michelle Pawly, dentist from the Innovation and Care Quality department at Sanitas Dental.