Having a beer or a couple of margaritas on a Friday night after work is a great way to relax and unwind. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential adverse effects of alcohol on your oral health. This isn’t to say you shouldn’t drink alcohol, but rather just be aware so you can make the best choices for your situation. Let’s take a look at the most prominent ways alcohol can affect your oral health and the importance of preventative dentistry.
Prominent Effects on Oral Health
Staining
Alcohol can have a staining effect on your teeth due to its acidic nature. The acidity of alcohol erodes the enamel of your teeth and makes them susceptible to stains from things like red wines or dark liquors. Unfortunately, the damaged enamel also makes you susceptible to staining from other non-acidic drinks.
Dental Decay
Dental decay can happen due to the high sugar content of certain alcohol. However, it’s important to note that this is true for any drink high in sugar. That being said, it’s common for alcohol to contain large amounts of sugar to mask the alcohol flavor. So it may be best to drink sugary alcohol through a straw or stick to alcohol with no sugar.
Enamel Damage
As mentioned before, the enamel can become damaged from acidic alcoholic drinks. It’s especially damaging because alcohol can lead to dry mouth and dehydration. Your mouth naturally fights off acidity by adding additional saliva into your mouth. This is to help balance out the PH levels. Unfortunately, dry mouth and dehydration can make that process much more difficult and longer. This leads to extended damage to the enamel.
The Importance of Prevention
Alcohol can be used to have fun, relax, and enjoy time with friends and family. So while technically abstaining from alcohol is best for your oral health, we understand that it doesn’t fit everyone’s lifestyle. Instead, it’s best to be cautious, stay hydrated, use straws, drink in moderation, and consider not drinking if you’re struggling with your oral health.
Our team at Hampton Dental understands that you don’t want dental issues getting in the way of your life. That’s why we promote and perform preventative dental services for our patients. Our staff believes the best way to deal with a problem is to get ahead of it. Contact our doctors at 414-464-9021 so we can prevent, restore, and rehabilitate any and all your dental needs.
