Is the party seasons ruining YOUR teeth? Dentist reveals how swapping prosecco for vodka and soda water and snacking on cheese will protect your smile
- Dr Mark Buddha, from the UK, has revealed how to keep teeth looking bright
- His top tips include swapping your mimosa for a vodka and soda water instead
- Suggests you can offset damage and prevent decay by having a glass of milk
A dental expert has revealed how to keep your teeth looking bright over the festive season.
Dr Mark Buddha, from Northampton, is no stranger to seeing the results of crazy party antics, but he warns Christmas can have disastrous consequences on your pearly whites.
The expert has shared a few top hacks – including swapping your mimosas for vodka and soda water and snacking on cheese to neutralise acid build-up.
Speaking exclusively to FEMAIL, the dental practitioner suggests avocados or fresh vegetable crudites and hummus are also good choices at the buffet, while a glass of milk can help to offset damage and prevent decay.
Dr Mark Buddha, from the UK, has offered his top tips on how to keep your teeth looking bright over the festive season (stock image)
PROSECCO TOASTING
‘80% of tooth problems are caused by acid attacks on the teeth. The acidic nature of Prosecco can cause long-term damage to the teeth.
If you start drinking early, then your enamel is under attack for the entire day, which will cause erosion and can lead to sensitivity, pain and increase the risk of tooth decay.
Prosecco hits your front teeth first and then rolls down and goes over the top of the back teeth before you swallow it. If possible, try to treat Prosecco like a cocktail and use a straw.
Also, you may think they are healthy, but fruit juices are best avoided due to their acidic nature.
Swap your mimosa for a vodka and soda water – clear drinks are better for you as they won’t stain teeth and a vodka soda actually kills off bacteria responsible for causing bad breath.
Dr Mark Buddha (pictured) warns Christmas is the most hazardous time for your mouth
A G&T is also a great alternative as it naturally contains less acid.
However, mulled wine is best avoided – the red wine stains your teeth and mulled wine contains high levels of sugar.
Offset damage by having a glass of milk – or dairy free alternative – as it contains a protein called caseins, which helps form a protective film over enamel, preventing decay.’
NIGHT TIME NEGLECT
‘We all want to roll straight into bed after a wild night of partying, but try not to skip out brushing your teeth – as it could become a habit after too many late nights!
If you happen to forget to brush your teeth after a heavy night out, then make up for it with a good clean and floss the next day – despite the hangover!
It is important for your teeth to be brushed twice daily with fluoride-based toothpastes to protect against damage.
Also, bear in mind alcoholic drinks can be full of sugar, so maintaining good oral hygiene habits is key to ensure you don’t end up having acute dental problems.’
SNEAKY SNACKING
‘Every time you eat you’re feeding the bacteria in your mouth which, in turn, produces acid.
If you can’t resist a snack, cheese is naturally alkaline and works well to neutralise acid build-up to bring the pH of the mouth back to normal.
As well as cheese, other healthy alkaline Christmas buffet options include fresh vegetable crudites and hummus.
Avocados are great too – try making a fresh guacamole dip – and nuts, especially almonds. Just be wary of the extra calories mounting up.’
FOOTLOOSE
‘This may seem obvious, but time and time again, I see broken and chipped teeth, from overconfident party animals getting their mouths around bottle tops to do the bottle opening trick.
The caps on the bottles will cause serious damage to teeth if we try and force them open, not to mention cut the insides of your mouth and gums. So don’t risk it and have a bottle opener nearby.’
The expert also advises to avoid opening bottles using your teeth – despite the temptation (stock image)
CHRISTMAS CHAOS
‘It is well documented that consuming alcohol in large amounts is not good for our health, so I would not recommend it.
But the fact it also makes you a little lighter on your feet is less than ideal as it’s often not long until someone in your party takes a tumble.’
Teeth fracture can bruise like any other part of the body. A serious impact from any angle that connects with the tooth can cause the tooth to die, which will lead to extensive dental treatment to rectify.’
Accidents do happen, but if you suffer a dental injury, it’s important to get your teeth checked out as soon as possible as the tooth may be saved. So before hitting the cobbles, watch your step!
And with busy bodies everywhere, it’s only a matter of time until someone gets a knock from an elbow, to your glass, to your teeth which will take the impact.
I have seen many cases of this, so be aware of your surroundings and space!’
EFFECTS OF FESTIVE STRESS
‘Teeth grinding often occurs during times of stress. Botox can help with teeth grinding as it reduces the ability for the muscles to trigger and lifts the nerve endings in your muscles.
During the period of inactivity, you get something called muscular atrophy, which means the muscle shrinks.
If you get that jaw muscle to shrink, it will not only slim the face but there will also be less force on the jaw to smash the teeth.
So by getting Botox to reduce the bulk of the muscle will reduce the force of the clench / grind.’
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