Alcohol has been used recreationally for most of human history and in recent years has been shown to have some health benefits in small amounts. As you make decisions about whether and how to include alcohol in your life, there are also some health drawbacks to consider. One is the effects on your mouth. Here’s what you need to know about the effect of moderate and heavy drinking on your dental care.

What Are the Effects of Alcohol on Your Oral Health?

Alcohol has a drying effect on your mouth, reducing your production of saliva. Saliva washes away food and bacteria from your teeth and gums, so when your mouth is dry, you’re more likely to experience tooth decay, gum disease, and irritation such as canker sores. 

At the same time, most alcoholic beverages are acidic, which softens your dental enamel and makes it more prone to staining. Many alcoholic beverages, such as wine, are high in sugar, which increases bacteria growth and tooth decay, as well as tannins, substances that can yellow your tooth enamel and make the staining effect more pronounced.

How Can You Protect Your Teeth?

The most important step you can take is to limit your drinking so that you consume only a small to moderate amount of alcohol. This reduces all of the effects of alcohol on your dental care as you’ll have less exposure. As you drink, alternate your beverage with sips of water, which helps you stay hydrated and washes bacteria, acid, and tannins from your mouth. 

Finally, brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily helps reduce bacterial growth, tooth decay, gum disease, and even enamel staining. In particular, brush your teeth just before you drink; this removes the plaque on your teeth, which would otherwise soak up your beverage and trap it against your tooth enamel.

For dental care to counter the effects of alcohol on your teeth, choose Ronald W. Ristow, D.D.S., LLC in Oconto Falls, WI. Serving Oconto County and surrounding areas for almost 30 years, they offer a full range of services from simple teeth whitening to dental implants, and are available for after-hours emergencies. To opt-in to the Ronald W. Ristow DDS text messaging list, text JOIN to (920) 249-5938. You can also reach them by calling (920) 846-3163, or learn more about their services online.