Top ten list of how alcohol affects your smile

Alcohol has always been known as the bad boy in the schoolyard of adult treats. It’s no wonder why; alcohol is alluring, mischievous, and can cause a lot of damage in the long term. While moderate consumption won’t hugely impact our health – body and mind – negatively, the alcohol effects has been linked to numerous diseases – including those that can harm your teeth. So, we’ve put together a top ten list of how alcohol can damage your smile.

The sugar content of alcohol

We’ve all been told that eating sweets are bad for our teeth because it promotes cavities. Well, did you know that your favourite cocktails and other alcoholic drinks – even beer – can be high in sugar? The natural bacteria in your mouth feed on the sugar found in alcohol. This creates an acid that eats away at your teeth, weakens your tooth enamel and causes tooth decay. So, do yourself a favour and cut down your sugar content by minimising your favourite alcoholic beverage.

Alcohol causes dehydration

One of the main causes of that nasty hangover is dehydration. That’s because alcohol is a diuretic – meaning it removes the water from your blood through your renal system at a faster rate (that’s why you have to pee so often when you drink). An added downside of dehydration – that is often forgotten – is dry mouth. Dry mouth is caused by the reduction in saliva when you’re dehydrated. Saliva washes away the bacteria that sticks to your enamel, meaning a dry mouth can increase the risk of gum disease. So save yourself the hangover and added dental bill by avoiding alcohol.

Maintain your perfect smile!

The enemy of a lush white rug is a glass of red wine. If red wine can stain all your favourite household items, who’s to say it can’t stain your teeth? The acidic nature of drinks such as red wine – and beer – makes the staining power on your teeth much stronger. So protect your smile and put down the wine.

Prevent gum disease

Research has found that alcohol can impact the natural microbiome found in our mouths. Altering this delicate environment can negatively affect our gum health. This leads to a situation where your teeth are no longer adequately protected or supported. Easily reduce your risk of gum disease by consuming fewer alcoholic beverages.

No cavities!

Those who drink alcohol are more likely to have cavities than those who avoid it. Save yourself the pain and future dental procedures by reducing the amount you drink.

Plaque

Excessive amounts of alcohol can lead to a higher level of plaque in our mouths. This increases the likelihood of losing a tooth – due to poor oral health – by three times.

No nasty accidents

Let’s be honest, we’re not always on our best behaviour when we drink. Search up “drinking accidents” on the internet and you’re bound to get hundreds of results showing people acting stupidly under the influence. Not all, but many of these accidents can result in a lost or chipped tooth. Save yourself the hassle and embarrassment and minimise the number of drinks you consume in one sitting.

Poor hygiene

We’ve all been there; you have one too many drinks, and your hygiene standards run out the door. Forget showering. Forget changing out of the day’s clothes. And forget brushing your teeth. Now, once in a while won’t destroy your oral hygiene, but if it happens regularly, it can increase the risk of infection or abscesses in your mouth. It can also damage the soft tissue in your mouth.

Oral cancer

The simple fact is that consuming alcohol and tobacco increases your risk of developing diseases. One of such diseases is oral cancer. Reduce your consumption, reduce the risk. It’s that easy.

Teeth grinding

While teeth grinding and clenching can be triggered by many things – such as stress or missing teeth – your grinding is known to get worse after consuming caffeine or alcohol. So, if you have a history of grinding, try skipping the wine before bed.

Social drinking is a huge part of our culture. We drink to celebrate, mourn and we drink after a long hard day to unwind. We know it’s unrealistic to ask everyone to for-go the drinks completely, but do yourself and your smile a favour and try to minimise the number of drinks you consume to a healthy, moderate level. Your smile will thank us.

At Maidstone Dental, we’re here to help you in any way we can. For more information or to book a check-up, book an appointment today.