Dentist reveals the worst Christmas drinks for children’s teeth – and how to avoid the damage
Hot chocolates, babycinos and even fruit teas could be doing more damage than you think - here's how to protect your children's teeth against it this Christmas.
From hot chocolates to fruity punches – these are the festive drinks a dentist says are quietly damaging your child’s teeth
It's the season for marshmallow-topped hot chocolates, syrupy babycinos and fizzy festive treats – but did you know that some of your child’s favourite Christmas drinks could be setting them up for tooth trouble in the new year?
According to dentist Dr Sofina Ahmed from Viva Dental, certain festive drinks pose a bigger risk to children’s oral health than we might realise – especially when they’re sipped slowly throughout the day. Here’s her expert take on what to watch out for, and how to keep things balanced without spoiling the seasonal fun.
The worst Christmas drinks for children's teeth
Dr Ahmed says it’s not just about sugar content – it’s also about how long the drink lingers in your child’s mouth.
“The worst festive drinks for children’s teeth are the ones that have both high sugar and are consumed over long sipping times,” she explains.
At the top of her ‘worst offenders’ list are:
- Hot chocolate, especially those topped with whipped cream or marshmallows
- Flavoured babycinos with syrups or chocolate sprinkles
- Fizzy drinks, like lemonade or cola, especially if branded as ‘festive’
- Juice-based Christmas punches
“Warm drinks like hot chocolate make it even worse,” Dr Ahmed adds.
Heat helps sugar cling to teeth more easily, and kids are more likely to sip them slowly, coating teeth in sugar for longer than a small sweet treat would.
The drinks that seem healthy – but secretly aren’t
Worryingly, it’s not just the obvious sugary options to watch out for. Some drinks we might see as healthy or harmless are actually just as damaging to developing teeth.
“Watch out for flavoured milk – vanilla, strawberry and chocolate – and even 100% fruit juice or smoothies,” says Dr Ahmed. “These are not only acidic but also full of sugar, eroding enamel faster.”
She also warns that babycinos made with flavoured milk and even fruit or herbal teas can be culprits. “Because these don’t feel like ‘treats’, children often have them more frequently, which actually makes them more damaging than the occasional chocolate every now and then.”
Daily sugary drinks? Here’s what can happen
Having a festive drink now and again isn’t a problem – but if your child is enjoying a sugary drink every day from 1st December to Christmas Day, you could start to see the effects sooner than you think.
“Every sugary drink activates an acid attack that can last up to an hour,” says Dr Ahmed. “When this happens day after day, the enamel gradually thins and weakens, then teeth become more sensitive, and cavities can start to form silently, usually without any pain at first.”
And it’s not just teeth. “Regular sugar spikes in December can cause cycles of energy highs and crashes, impact concentration and mood, and disrupt sleep,” she explains – particularly if drinks are sipped close to bedtime.
Why how they drink matters more than what they drink
If you’re trying to limit the impact of festive drinks, timing is everything.
“It’s not just what kids drink, it’s how long their teeth are exposed to it,” says Dr Ahmed. “When children drink a sugary drink slowly, sugar and acid stay on the teeth for much longer, raising the risk of decay.”
Her advice? If your child is going to enjoy a treat drink, encourage them to have it in one sitting – ideally with a meal, not between meals, and avoid slow sipping over an hour.
You don’t have to ban hot chocolates altogether – small changes can make a big difference. Here are Dr Ahmed’s practical tips:
- Make festive drinks occasional, not daily
- Serve with meals, not as a standalone snack
- Use a straw to reduce contact with teeth
- Rinse with water afterwards to wash away sugar
- Choose sugar-free or low-sugar options where possible
Should you brush right after a sugary drink?
It might feel like good parenting to make your child brush straight after hot chocolate – but Dr Ahmed says this can actually do more harm than good.
After acidic or sugary drinks, the enamel is weakened for a moment. Brushing straight after is like scrubbing a surface that’s already soft.
Here's what to do instead:
- Wait 30–60 minutes before brushing
- Encourage rinsing with plain water right after the drink
- If it’s close to bedtime, brush before the drink instead
What about bedtime drinks?
Hot chocolate may feel like a lovely night-time wind-down, but Dr Ahmed says it might be doing the opposite – especially if it’s laced with sugar or caffeine.
“Hot chocolate and cola-based drinks may actually contain caffeine. Caffeine mixed with sugar is a double hit – it can disrupt kids’ sleep, leading to overstimulation at night and the following day.”
A better option? Try warm unsweetened milk, caffeine-free herbal tea, or simply stick to water alongside a calming pre-bed routine.
“Sleep matters for teeth as well,” adds Dr Ahmed. “At night, saliva flow drops, making teeth more vulnerable.”
It's about balance, not guilt
Above all, Dr Ahmed wants to reassure parents that Christmas should still feel joyful – even if you’re being mindful of sugar.
“Christmas is about enjoyment, not perfection,” she says. “A few festive drinks here and there won’t ruin your child's teeth; it’s the everyday habits that mean the most.”
“If parents focus on balance, a solid brushing routine and simple, practical steps, kids can enjoy Christmas without the long-term risk. There’s no need for guilt – just understanding.”
Quick tips to remember:
- Keep sugary drinks for mealtimes
- Rinse with water – don’t brush straight after
- Use a straw when possible
- Limit daily festive drinks
- Focus on balance, not perfection
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Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.