The Worst Holiday Drinks for Your Teeth (and what to drink instead)

The holiday season is filled with festive drinks, rich flavors, and indulgent treats, but not all of them are kind to your smile. Many seasonal favorites contain high levels of sugar, acids, or deep pigments that can erode enamel or leave behind stubborn stains. And while we all love to indulge in a fun beverage (or two), not taking the right precautions can lead to a duller smile and put you at risk for cavities.  

Already noticing stains? We can help! If your teeth are looking a little dull after the holidays, professional whitening can reverse even deep discoloration. 

Keep reading to learn about our whitening specials, see which drinks should be on the naughty list, and which drinks we’d recommend as alternatives, directly from the cosmetic dental experts at Goldstein Dental Center in Atlanta.   

Holiday Beverages That Cause Teeth Stains and Discoloration 

Mulled Wine  

Warm, Spiced, and festive, mulled wine is a holiday staple, yet it’s one of the biggest culprits for tooth discoloration. Red wine contains tannins1. Which makes it easier for its rich color to cling to enamel more easily, especially if you’re sipping it throughout the evening.  

Alternative: Choose a crisp white wine, or sparkling water with a splash of white grape juice. But don’t fret if you indulge in some mulled wine; these stains can be easily removed with a few in office bleaching sessions.  

Hot Chocolate  

Creamy, rich and decadent, hot chocolate is sure to bring back memories of setting out cookies and anxiously waiting for Santa. But the combination of sugar and sticky residue makes it a perfect recipe for cavities. Over time, cocoa pigments called chromogens 2 can also lead to staining.  

Alternative: Opt for a dark chocolate peppermint tea or a low-sugar cacao blend and make sure to book an appointment with your dentist to check for any signs of decay.  

Hot Apple Cider  

Though delicious, apple cider contains natural acids and sugars that can weaken enamel and make your teeth more vulnerable to staining, leaving you behind with a dull smile.  

Alternative: A warm, spiced herbal tea with cinnamon and orange peels delivers the same cozy, aromatic comfort without compromising your smile. To keep your teeth looking their best, schedule a consultation at our cosmetic dentistry clinic, where we specialize in smile makeovers designed to enhance and protect your smile. 

Holiday Lattes and Peppermint Mochas

Seasonal coffee drinks are often loaded with syrups, whipped cream, and flavorings which are usually sugary and acidic. Not to mention the dark coffee base which is notorious for leaving behind yellow teeth and stains. 3 

Alternative: Try a vanilla oat milk latte with a light drizzle of honey or a spiced chai with minimal sweetener.  

Festive Cocktails  

From cranberry martinis to holiday punch, many cocktails contain citrus juices, colored liqueurs and syrups. The combination of acid, sugar, and dark ingredients can accelerate erosion and staining.  

Alternative: Reach for a sparkling mocktail with soda water and a twist of lime, or a crisp sparkling white wine.  

How to protect your smile while you celebrate  

1. Use a straw, when possible, to minimize contact with your teeth. 
2. Rinse with water between drinks to wash away lingering sugars and pigments. 
3. Avoid brushing immediately after acidic drinks 4 – give your enamel at least 30 minutes to recover.  
4. Stick to one sugary or acidic drink per event to reduce enamel fatigue.  
5. Keep up with whitening touch-ups or professional cleanings. We’re always happy to see you!  
6. Schedule a consult to discuss your smile makeover! We’ll work with you to create a custom plan to address any concerns you have. Whether it’s a simple whitening or a full veneer makeover, our team of cosmetic dentistry experts will help you achieve the smile of your dreams.  

The bottom line, even with careful sipping, holiday drinks can dim your smile. The good news? You don’t have to wait until next year to get your glow back. Take advantage of our $199 bleaching special* and walk into the new year with a bright and refreshed smile.  

Schedule your appointment today with Atlanta’s #1 choice for cosmetic dentistry.  

*bleaching special is valid until 1/30/26, normally a $262 value* 

Footnotes:  

1. Colgate “How to avoid wine-stained teeth”, Colgate (blog) 8/30/2024 https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/teeth-whitening/how-to-avoid-red-wine-teeth-this-holiday-season 

1. Whitakers “Does hot chocolate stain teeth”, Whitakers (blog) 11/19/2023 https://www.whitakerschocolates.com/blogs/blog/does-hot-chocolate-stain-teeth?srsltid=AfmBOorL39rkpGxMBo7opebffADY4vepX84FhUb4bMyJZPkLTz3tK3kI 

1. Healthline “Does coffee stain your teeth”, Healthline (blog) 12/3/2019 https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/how-to-get-rid-of-yellow-teeth 

1. Mayo Clinic “When and how often should you brush your teeth”, Mayo Clinic (blog) 7/27/23, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/expert-answers/brushing-your-teeth/faq-20058193