British households enjoying mulled wine this Christmas have been warned over the potential risks to oral health. Dr Minoo Ghamari, of Gorgeous Smiles, said: “Mulled wine can be a delicious and hearty drink to enjoy at Christmas but it might not be the best option for oral health.
“Red wine, typically used in mulled wine, has a risk of staining teeth if consumed regularly. Mulled wine is also usually made with sugar or honey to sweeten the taste, adding more sugar content to this drink. The alcohol in the wine can also reduce saliva production, leading to dry mouth. Saliva is essential for neutralising acids and washing away food particles. A dry mouth environment can promote tooth decay and gum disease.”
Households have also been advised to avoid pouring mulled wine down the drain this year, as certain Christmas drinks, including Baileys, have been found to cause significant issues at home.
Liv Reid, kitchen expert at Prestige Granite, warned supermarket shoppers against pouring mulled wine down the sink, as spiced beverages can create a sticky mess and unpleasant odours.
She said: “Christmas leftovers might feel harmless because they’re soft, warm, wet or liquid at the time, but once inside your pipes, they behave very differently.
“Fats solidify, starches expand, and creamy residues cling to surfaces. I’m afraid it’s the perfect recipe for slow-draining sinks and unpleasant smells, right when you’ve got guests ‘round.
“People seem to assume hot water will simply ‘wash away’ fat or cream. Unfortunately, that only moves the problem further into the pipes, where it cools and congeals.
“The result is often a stubborn blockage that requires professional intervention. Prevention really is far easier, and far cheaper, than the cure.”
