As you sip your favorite holiday drinks, whether it is a creamy hot chocolate or a spiced mulled wine, it is easy to forget that these indulgences can be just as tricky for your teeth as Halloween candy (which we discussed in a prior article). Just as we remind our kids to brush after enjoying sweets, we should give our own teeth extra care during the festive season.

Holiday drinks like eggnog, cider, hot toddies and festive cocktails are delicious, but they come with hidden risks for your teeth. Sugary drinks fuel cavity-causing bacteria, while acidic beverages like wine or citrusy punches can erode enamel, leaving teeth sensitive and vulnerable. Additionally, alcohol dries out your mouth, reducing the protective effects of saliva. Dr. Jim McCreight of McCreight Progressive Dentistry explains, ‘These drinks are loaded with sugar and acidity, which create a perfect storm for tooth decay and enamel erosion.” He adds that while occasional indulgence is fine, repeated exposure to sugary and acidic drinks can lead to long-term dental issues. “Developing good habits now will save you money in the long run—and who isn’t motivated by that? It’s all about prevention.”

In Steamboat, our high-altitude lifestyle adds a unique challenge. After a day on the slopes, a hot drink is the perfect way to warm up, but the combination of sugary beverages and dry, cold air can take a toll. Dry air already makes it harder for saliva to protect your teeth, and sweet drinks only amplify the risk. Dr. McCreight points out, “Mountain residents face unique challenges when it comes to oral health. The combination of dry, cold air and sugary holiday beverages can accelerate mouth dryness, making it even harder for saliva to protect teeth.”

That does not mean you have to skip the holiday cheer. “Believe me, I still enjoy a few drinks this time of year, especially at festive parties with friends,” continues McCreight. With a few mindful steps, you can protect your smile while still indulging in your favorite traditions. Dr. McCreight emphasizes the importance of hydration, saying, “Drinking water not only helps rinse away sugars but also combats the drying effects of alcohol and high-altitude air.” He also advises using a water flosser, like Water Pik, which can also provide extra protection by cleaning sugar and debris from hard-to-reach areas. This is particularly true when it comes to cocktails, whose effects may not be as easily noticeable as sticky food debris getting stuck between your teeth.

Steamboat residents are active and health-conscious. Soon, many among us will make New Year’s resolutions as a way to make amends for the overindulgence of sweets during the holiday season.  Yet, even the healthiest among us can overlook the effects of holiday drinks on our teeth. “We’ve recently entered aesthetic space, with Steamboat Face and Body. There, the common saying is that summer bodies are formed in the spring or winter. Well, take that mentality now for your oral health care. If you can develop the discipline now, during the hardest two weeks of the year, you are going to carry that discipline into the new year and be more successful when you do get to 2025 because you already have momentum.” By staying mindful and taking simple precautions, we can enjoy the festive season without sacrificing our smiles. Dr. McCreight says, “The holidays are a time for joy and celebration, and a little extra attention to oral care ensures that joy can continue well beyond the season.”

To protect your teeth while indulging in holiday drinks, Dr. McCreight offers more than just the obvious tips like brushing after your holiday party or using a water flosser. He also reminds us of a simple but effective step that can help your teeth—and how you feel the morning after a night of holiday cheer. Consider alternating your favorite holiday drink with a glass of water. “Staying hydrated is essential, especially in the high-altitude air, where dryness can already challenge your oral health,” he explains. Water helps rinse away sugar and acidity while counteracting the dehydrating effects of alcohol and mountain air.

With these simple habits, you can enjoy all the holiday season has to offer—hot cocoa, cider and more—without compromising your dental health. “The key is balance,” says Dr. McCreight. “A little care goes a long way in preserving both your smile and the joy of the season.”