Red or White? You Might be Surprised: Read Our Holiday Smile Guide

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Photo: Stocksy

By Annie Leccese

Your holiday schedule is insane—it’s not even New Years yet and you’ve snacked, sipped, and mingled your way through countless glasses of bubbly and dozens of cookies. You’re familiar with the usual benefits and repercussions of having an excellent time, but here’s one you might have forgotten: your teeth.

Keeping your teeth healthy and white can take some effort and guidance, so we picked up some simple tips from Drs. Lowenberg, Lituchy, and Kantor, a celebrated team of cosmetic dentists. Keep those pearly whites pearly!

Red or White? The Answer May Surprise You

Many people choose white wine over red to avoid teeth stains, but in fact our dentists point out that “white wine’s acidity can cause teeth erosion.” They advise switching to vodka, which is much least acidic. While we can’t stand by what you’ll say or do after drinking vodka all night, your teeth will thank you. Another plus: vodka kills odor-causing bacteria, so no need to fear the mistletoe.

Related Read: Why Texting = Wrinkles: All About Modern Agers

Tea Time

Dinner parties often conclude with a nice cup of tea or coffee. And dessert. How could we forget dessert? The towering dessert platters might evoke calorie concerns, but fear surface stains instead (more on the fruitcake next). So your teeth aren’t bathing in the tea or coffee, try sipping from a straw.

Grandma’s Fruitcake

Good news: you don’t need to eat the fruitcake. The dessert is loaded with dried fruit, which, as opposed to regular fruit, is bad for your teeth. “Dried fruit traps sugar on and around teeth like candy,” say our dentists. If you’re craving a piece, or take one to be nice, be sure to brush immediately after.

Related Read: Botox For Teeth Grinding?

Damage Control

In between the parties, it’s always a good idea to do a little whitening. The best at-home treatment? Crest 3D Luxe Supreme Flexfit Whitestrips. You can apply these to your teeth an hour before a party. Or, if you don’t have an hour, a whitening toothpaste like Luster Now can make teeth appear whiter right away.

Lip Service

Quickest fix for a dull smile? Lipstick. A shade with blue undertones will contrast with the whiteness of your teeth and make your smile appear brighter, instantly.

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