Always using a straw when drinking alcohol could help to prevent emergency dentistry.
This is according to Dr Manrina Rhode, who was writing in response to a reader query in the Daily Mail.
The correspondent asked if a nightly gin and tonic could damage her teeth, to which the expert said yes.
"Alcohol contains high levels of sugar so it is not advisable to drink every night. As with other fizzy or fruit-based drinks, you should ideally drink it through a straw," she commented.
Dr Rhode explained that the straw will help to prevent acids from touching the teeth too much, making it less likely that the enamel will become softened.
Anyone who wants to snack without damaging their smile could try celery, cheese and cucumber, she added, as these are 'detergent foods' that clean the teeth as they are chewed.
Last month, OneIndia said that eating strawberries and lettuce could help with teeth whitening.
