Prosecco is a popular Italian sparkling wine known for its refreshing, fruity essence and versatility when paired with a range of appetizers and main courses. What many people don’t realize, however, is that from a dental perspective, sugary, bubbly drinks like Prosecco can have a significantly negative impact on the appearance and health of the teeth.
In fact, dentists have coined the term “Prosecco Teeth” to describe the potential damage brought about by sweet, high-acid beverages. Drinking Prosecco can result in enamel erosion, increased risks of tooth decay and sensitivity, lowered quality of life, and a compromised smile.
In this blog, cosmetic dentist Dr. John Rink in Charleston and Mt Pleasant explores the “Prosecco Teeth” condition and how you can best prevent the impact of bubbly drinks on your smile while still enjoying “the good life.”
How Does Prosecco Impact the Teeth?
Prosecco, despite its delightful taste and popularity at weddings and other social gatherings, can impact your smile in the following ways:
- High acid content – Like other sparkling alcoholic beverages, Prosecco contains carbonic acid, which can silently erode tooth enamel.
- High sugar content – Prosecco’s high levels of sugar can increase the risk of bacteria buildup and cavities. Bacteria produce acids that wear down tooth enamel, eventually resulting in decay.
- Dry mouth – Prosecco reduces the production of saliva, leaving your mouth parched. Without the proper amount of saliva, you will not be able to neutralize destructive acids and prevent food particles from building up.
- Increased sensitivity – With less saliva in the mouth, enamel erosion is more likely, and eating hot, cold, or sweet foods can cause sensitivity and discomfort.
What Are the Signs of “Prosecco Teeth”?
If you regularly consume Prosecco, you may begin to notice the following signs and symptoms:
- Stained teeth – As Prosecco wears down your tooth enamel, the yellow dentin underneath becomes more apparent, leading to a discolored smile.
- Tooth sensitivity – When eating or drinking cold, hot, or sweet foods, you may experience increased sensitivity, pain, or tingling.
- Transparent tooth edges – Thinning or translucent tooth edges can be a sign of enamel erosion and may be most visible in the front teeth.
- Cavities – The sugar and acid in Prosecco break down tooth enamel, increasing vulnerability to decay and cavities.
- Inflamed gums – Gum disease can be instigated by increased levels of sugar and acid.
How to Drink Prosecco Without Damaging Your Smile
While Prosecco may be damaging to the teeth, completely giving up your favorite bubbly beverage may not be necessary. Below are a few key tips to help you protect your smile while still enjoying the sweet, sparkling wine that enlivens social events.
- Drink with a straw – Using a straw to drink Prosecco helps prevent the sugar and acid in the wine from having direct contact with your teeth. To be more friendly to the environment, use a reusable or glass straw.
- Take sips of water – Alternating sips of Prosecco with sips of water can help wash away the sugar and acid in the drink, lessening harmful effects on the teeth.
- Swallow right away – When you drink Prosecco, don’t let the liquid linger in your mouth, as this can increase the risk of enamel erosion and decay.
- Don’t brush your teeth right away – While it may seem counterintuitive, brushing right after drinking Prosecco can further erode tooth enamel that has been subjected to acids in the drink. Wait at least half an hour before following your oral hygiene routine.
- Combine Prosecco with food – Eating nuts, cheese, or veggies while you drink your sparkling wine can help neutralize the acid content and balance your pH levels, safeguarding your tooth enamel.
- Choose sugar-free gum – Chewing sugar-free gum boosts the production of saliva, which washes away unpleasant acids and remineralizes the enamel. Gums with xylitol are known to limit harmful bacteria.
- Use a fluoride mouthwash after drinking – Fluoride mouthwash can bolster your tooth enamel and fight against erosion due to acids.
- Attend regular dental checkups – Visiting your dentist on a regular basis is essential for preventing cavities, keeping your smile bright and healthy, and detecting early signs of gum disease or enamel erosion. Your provider may recommend sealants or varnishes to help protect your smile.
Other Beverages That Can Impact Dental Health
In addition to Prosecco, there are a variety of other drinks that can cause tooth damage and decay, including the following:
- Soda – Soda contains exceptionally high levels of acid and sugar and can wreak havoc on your smile.
- Sparkling water – While sparkling water usually doesn’t contain sugar, it is still a bit acidic and should be used in moderation.
- Champagne – While champagne may contain less sugar than Prosecco, it has about the same level of acidity.
- Energy drinks – Energy drinks are notorious for containing high levels of acid and sugar that can erode tooth enamel.
When consuming any of these common beverages, simply follow the same useful tips mentioned in relation to Prosecco, such as using a straw, combining drinking with food, and using a fluoride mouthwash.
Is It Possible to Reverse Enamel Erosion?
Unfortunately, tooth enamel does not regenerate. However, there are things you can do to strengthen and safeguard your existing enamel:
- Undergo fluoride treatments – Fluoride treatments can help remineralize damaged enamel and stave off further erosion.
- Use a remineralizing toothpaste – Toothpastes formulated with fluoride and hydroxyapatite can fortify your enamel.
- Try veneers or dental bonding – If enamel erosion is an issue, undergoing dental procedures like veneers or bonding can enhance the appearance of your smile and improve dental function.
What Is the Takeaway?
You don’t have to choose between enjoying Prosecco and maintaining proper dental hygiene. Being mindful of the effects of drinking beverages with a high sugar and acid content and practicing preventative care can help you avoid cavities and enamel erosion, keeping your smile looking bright and healthy for years to come. And if you feel that enamel erosion is an issue for you, book a consultation with your dentist to learn more about solutions like fluoride treatments, dental bonding, veneers, and crowns.
Enjoy a Brighter, More Youthful-Looking Smile Today With Cosmetic Dentistry in Charleston! Contact Dr. John F. Rink, Charleston’s First Accredited Cosmetic Dentist.
If you’ve noticed signs of “Prosecco Teeth” and are seeking an expert’s assistance in restoring your smile, reach out to Dr. Rink and his team today to book a private consultation. Dr. Rink offers access to today’s most cutting-edge dental procedures and strives to provide a seamless, stress-free patient experience in a welcoming and restorative atmosphere. Call 843.428.8734 today to get started!
