For many people, the holidays are the best time to gobble up great food and say cheers with your favourite bubbly. But whether you prefer sipping champagne, enjoying a can of beer or drinking a glass of wine, you should know that alcohol and teeth don’t mix well together. So let’s talk about how alcohol affects your teeth and why you may want to look for other alternatives instead.
Sugar Level
Sugar intake is a contributing factor to tooth decay. The bad bacteria in your mouth love to live off sugar, so consuming lots of sweet drinks offers it the opportunity to thrive. When you choose drinks with low sugar content, you’re making sure your new year will start off smoothly and without any holes in your teeth.
Dehydration
When you consume alcohol, it leads to a decrease in saliva flow, so instead of food debris being washed away naturally by saliva, bad bacteria cling to the tooth enamel and increase your risk of tooth decay. If you decide to celebrate the holiday with a few drinks, be sure to alternate your sweet drink with a glass of water to replenish your saliva and keep your mouth cleansed.
Staining
Beverages with deep hues like red wine and sangria can not only turn your teeth red but can also result in discolouration and overall dullness. For slight discolouration, a whitening toothpaste would be able to counteract these vibrant drinks and keep your teeth white as you begin the new year. If you have deeper staining, you may want to try teeth whitening provided by your dentist.
Although alcohol and teeth are well-known foes, with a little extra care and attention, you can still enjoy your favourite drink during the festive season. Just remember to continue practicing your regular oral care, such as brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily before going to bed.
Do you have any concerns about alcohol use and how it affects your oral health? While alcohol consumption can lead to dry mouth and tooth decay, you can still reduce its risk and correct any existing oral health issues by brushing and flossing regularly and visiting Kildonan Crossing Dental Centre for regular hygienist appointments and other treatment options. We provide various dental treatments, such as teeth whitening and restorative services. Schedule an online appointment with us today or find us in Transcona, at the corner of Lagimodiere Boulevard and Regent Avenue. We look forward to helping you with your dental needs.