'Prosecco teeth' phenomenon is leaving dentists extremely worried
We all know that prosecco is the drink of choice for many people who are celebrating bringing in the New Year, but it might come at a cost.
There are so many things to be weary of when it relates to our health, as well as our oral health, and apparently, prosecco might be on the list of culprits.
While you’re sipping on your bubbles tonight as the countdown begins, you might believe that there’s nothing negative that could come from it.
However, you might be wrong, and dentists are not happy about the drink.
Advert
The Italian sparkling wine is a favourite drink for many people who like to feel like they can drink without getting bloated, but it’s bad news for your teeth.
According to dentists, it could be ruining your gnashers, and nobody wants that.
Because of its high sugar content and the fact that it’s acidic, it’s just not something that you should be consuming in large amounts and it’s so bad that there’s even a name for it.
‘Prosecco teeth’.
Oral health experts came up with the name as it encapsulates a number of things that dentists constantly see from people who drink the sparkling wine.
If you enjoy too much of the fizz, you might end up needing fillings or cosmetic procedures carried out to fix the mess it makes of your teeth.
According to MailOnline, Dr Sahil Patel, founder of Marylebone Smile Clinic said: “Amongst dentists, it has been reported that dental decay affecting the front incisors spikes during the festive season.
“Prosecco poses a unique problem in that it is a relatively sweet tasting, ubiquitous, affordable, high sugar, acidic and carbonated drink.”
The expert went on to explain that prosecco is an ‘extremely popular’ drink which is ‘accessible in large amounts for everyone’.
But the problem arises due to the ‘constant sugar exposure in the mouth’.
Patel said that this ‘creates a situation where decay can affect the front teeth, possibly requiring fillings and/or cosmetic work later on in the new year.’
There’s nothing like starting 2025 off than needing new teeth, is there?
He went on to say: “Prosecco has a dangerous potency to cause decay, hence the term prosecco teeth.”
While you might be able to brush off the advice of one expert, can you say the same about two?
Dr Nyree Whitley, who is the chief clinical officer for mydentist, said: “I'm afraid I have some bad news for prosecco lovers.
“While an enjoyable festive tipple, the acidity in it can damage your enamel and could, in turn, lead to discolouration.”
A third expert, called Professor Damien Walmsley, who is the scientific adviser for the British Dental Association, also chimed in to stop prosecco drinkers from having a glass tonight.
He said: “Prosecco offers a triple whammy of carbonation, sweetness and alcohol, which can put your teeth at risk, leading to sensitivity and enamel erosion.
“Carbonated beverages get their fizz from the release of carbon dioxide, which dissolves into carbonic acid.
“This provides a refreshing taste but also makes these drink more acidic. Added to that, prosecco comes with about one teaspoon of sugar per flute.”
If you absolutely must have a flute, Dr Whitely said that you should wait at least 30 minutes to brush your teeth afterwards.
Britt Jones