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.

Back to Blog

What do they say about Modbury Dental Practice?

“Awesome practice lovely staff Very professional which made me feel so much at ease”

Eddie

“I hadn't been back to the dentist I have previously been to for a while, Well I can honestly say after being able to book an appointment very easily I was a little apprehensive...”

Joan

“Everyone was very nice and helpful. I was given good support and advice re payment plans. I hate and am terrified of the dentist. I was pleasantly surprised as to how relaxed I felt....”

Amanda

“I had an appointment with the dental hygienist Remmy and her nursing assistant Lucy. They were friendly and professional. I would be happy to recommend the Modbury Dental Practice”

Robin

“I needed a double extraction today and was super nervous. The dentist (Dr Vivek Giddani) was phenomenal. So patient and incredibly skilled, it was over in minutes. Chloe was absolutely lovely too, very caring....”

Tor

“I have been a patient for approximately 20 years at Modbury , always been happy with the practice . The new modernised decor looks beautiful and the whole place feels generally more up to...”

Sarah

“I’ve been using modbury dental service for five years plus and under the new ownership it is still an excellent service. All the staff are super A very relaxing atmosphere awaits anybody that is...”