The 5 Most Staining Christmas Drinks

(And How to Enjoy Them Anyway!)

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without festive drinks. From cosy mugs by the fire to celebratory glasses at the dinner table, these seasonal favourites are part of the fun. However, many popular Christmas drinks are known for staining teeth. The good news? You don’t need to avoid them completely. With the right habits, you can still enjoy every sip and keep your smile bright.

At Modbury Dental Practice, we often see an increase in tooth staining after the festive season. Understanding which drinks cause the most damage helps you make smarter choices.

Mulled Wine

Warm, spiced, and full of festive cheer, mulled wine is a winter favourite. Unfortunately, it is also one of the worst offenders for tooth staining. The dark red pigments cling easily to enamel, while the acidity softens the tooth surface.

Tip: Drink water alongside mulled wine and avoid sipping slowly for long periods. Shorter contact time means less staining.

Red Wine

A Christmas classic with dinner. Red wine combines deep colour, acid, and tannins, which makes stains more likely to settle into your teeth.

Tip: Enjoy red wine with food and rinse your mouth with water afterwards. This helps wash away staining pigments before they stick.

Coffee (and Festive Lattes)

Gingerbread, caramel, peppermint, and spiced lattes are hard to resist. While delicious, coffee is dark and acidic, making it a common cause of discolouration.

Tip: Use a straw when possible and wait at least 30 minutes before brushing. Brushing too soon can damage softened enamel.

Hot Chocolate

Cosy and comforting, hot chocolate is a festive treat for all ages. However, it contains sugar and dark pigments that can contribute to staining and decay.

Tip: Enjoy hot chocolate at mealtimes and rinse your mouth with water once you finish.

Cola & Dark Fizz

Often mixed with festive spirits, cola and dark fizzy drinks are highly acidic and staining. Frequent sipping keeps teeth under constant attack.

Tip: Choose sugar-free versions and avoid sipping all evening. Finish your drink, then switch to water.

How to Enjoy Festive Drinks Without the Stains

You don’t need to miss out this Christmas. Just follow these simple rules:

Festive drinks are meant to be enjoyed 🎅
By giving your teeth a little extra care, you can protect your smile and start the New Year feeling confident.

If you are concerned about staining, our team is always happy to help.

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