Champagne, sparkling wines, and fizzy cocktails are staples of New Year’s Eve celebrations, but these bubbly beverages could have a hidden downside—damaging your teeth. The phenomenon, commonly known as “prosecco teeth” or “prosecco smile,” refers to the adverse effects of consuming carbonated, sugary drinks that can lead to discolored, tender, and decaying teeth.
Dr. Sahil Patel, founder of the Marylebone Smile Clinic in London, recently shared insights with Yahoo Life UK, noting that dental decay, particularly among the front incisors, tends to spike during the festive season. “Prosecco poses a unique problem,” Dr. Patel explained. “It’s sweet, high in sugar, acidic, and carbonated—all of which contribute to its popularity, making it a drink that’s consumed in large quantities, often without awareness of its potential harm.”
While sales of sparkling wine have dropped this year compared to 2023, prosecco is expected to outperform Champagne in holiday sales due to its lower price. However, the combination of sugar, carbonic acid, and alcohol in prosecco can create significant issues for your teeth.
The carbonic acid that creates prosecco’s signature bubbles can erode enamel, the protective outer layer of your teeth. Additionally, the sugar in the drink feeds bacteria in the mouth, which then produce acids that further damage the enamel. This weakened enamel increases vulnerability to cavities and causes teeth to become more sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks, as well as more prone to yellowing, chipping, or breaking.
Alcohol itself exacerbates the problem by causing dry mouth, which increases plaque buildup and the risk of cavities. According to the Harriman Implant Center in New York, prosecco’s acidity is particularly concerning, with a pH around 3.25—much lower than the 5.5 pH level required to preserve tooth enamel. This level of acidity is comparable to many sodas and is 175 times more potent than what is necessary to damage enamel. Other wines, like riesling, are also problematic, with pH levels falling below 3, while white wines are generally more acidic than red wines.
To protect your smile, early detection of enamel erosion is crucial. Warning signs include increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks, as well as teeth that appear yellow or have rough, thin edges. If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to seek dental care before the damage worsens.
As you celebrate the New Year, remember that while prosecco and other sparkling wines may add sparkle to your evening, they could also leave lasting damage to your teeth if consumed in excess. Consider drinking water between glasses and following up with proper oral hygiene to keep your smile sparkling well into the new year.
Related topics:
Overcoming Dental Anxiety: How a Water Flosser Transformed My Oral Hygiene
Transform Your Smile in 2025 with Neighborhood Dental’s Expert Care
Revolutionary Tooth-Regrowing Drug Enters Human Trials in Japan
