Artemis A
January may lack the festive countdown of December, but the social calendar is packed. The weekend reunions, winter birthdays, and inevitable postponed coffee catch-ups. It is also the middle of winter, so the likes of hot chocolate, coffee, central heating, and occasional celebratory cocktails can all take a toll on our teeth without the right, small, and easy habits to offset them.
The good news is that small, realistic habits can protect our teeth and keep our smile strong in 2026.
Let’s get into it.
How do seasonal drinks affect teeth?
Alcoholic drinks (prosecco, wine, cocktails, and more) are acidic, which can soften the outer layer of our teeth, called enamel, and cause staining. Many of these drinks, for example, cocktails, contain hidden sugars, which isn’t good for teeth.
But let’s be honest: we will still have them…
But how can we incorporate small, quick habits to combat this?
- Alternate your alcoholic/acidic drinks with water.
- Avoid holding drinks in your mouth or “swishing” wine.
- Use a straw for cocktails where possible.
- Rinse with water afterwards.
The real question is, can’t we brush our teeth straight after eating or drinking?
The simple answer is no.
Avoid brushing your teeth immediately after eating or drinking anything, as the enamel is soft and you can, over time, damage it by brushing right after. The golden rule of thumb is to wait 30 minutes.
Common culprits include:
- Red wine & mulled wine
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Tea
- Soft drinks
And more.
How do we reduce staining without skipping on our treats?
- Sip water between bites, or drink water after eating, to wash away staining pigments.
- Use a straw for dark and acidic drinks.
- Avoid brushing for 30 minutes after eating or drinking.
- Eating cheese after a meal neutralises acids and restores the mouth’s optimal pH.
Why does hydration matter so much for our smile?
You know the feeling when your mouth feels so dry, and you reach for your bag for a piece of gum, but can’t find any… it is agony.
Alcohol, salty foods, long meals, and even winter itself can contribute to dry mouth.
Our saliva plays a key role in protecting our teeth, neutralising acids, washing away bacteria, and more. A low saliva volume in the mouth (dry mouth) increases the risk of tooth decay, bad breath, and staining.
Some hydration habits that help support saliva include:
- Drink water before, during, and after celebrations.
- Chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production
January is still a season for celebration, without the Christmas tree and sparkles, but the good news is that small, realistic habits can drastically protect your smile. Go and enjoy the food, the drinks, and the late night, just add in a few teeth-friendly hacks along the way.