With New Year’s Eve coming up, you’re probably excited to enjoy a night with family and friends. Part of the celebration typically involves sharing a nice glass of alcoholic beverages to welcome the upcoming year. Although this isn’t always a bad thing, these kinds of drinks can have some negative impacts on your oral health. Read on to learn what alcohol does to your smile and how you can protect your teeth in the long run.
What Does Alcohol Do to Your Oral Health?
Most adults enjoy a glass of wine or champagne before the clock strikes midnight. While drinking these beverages in moderation won’t hurt, remember that they’re still acidic. For this reason, sipping on these drinks for too long or frequently can end up weakening your tooth enamel, exposing your smile to bacteria and decay. Certain alcoholic beverages also contain loads of sugar, which can make it much easier for germs to accumulate in your mouth and feed on your teeth.
Additionally, alcohol can often delay the production of saliva, which is generally your natural way of washing out particles and bacteria. The more you drink, the drier your mouth can become. This can end up leaving your smile susceptible to the accumulation of bacteria between your teeth and gums, which can then develop into plaque as well as other more serious oral health problems. Regarding the cosmetic appearance of your teeth, drinks like red wine contain dark-colored particles that can heavily stain your smile.
Tips for Protecting Your Smile from Alcoholic Beverages
While alcoholic beverages can take a toll on your oral health, it doesn’t mean you won’t be able to enjoy them during the celebrations. To keep your smile safe during New Year’s, simply practice the following tips:
· Remember to drink some water every time you take a sip of an alcoholic beverage, which should help reduce the risk of your mouth drying out as well as wash away acids and sugars from your teeth and gums.
· Before drinking, be sure to thoroughly brush your teeth. This should make it easier to clean off any plaque that can accumulate and stain your teeth.
· Set up a dental checkup and cleaning with your dentist after the holidays so you can start the new year off with a clean and healthy smile. Although alcoholic beverages can be detrimental to your dental health, taking the proper precautions can make all the difference. Practice these tips during New Year’s, and you should have no problem enjoying the celebrations while keeping your pearly whites safe!
About the Author
Dr. Gary C. Nawrocki is dedicated to treating and maintaining people’s oral health so they can fully enjoy healthy and dazzling smiles. He earned his dental doctorate at the University of Florida and is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. If you’d like to know how to care for your teeth this New Year’s or wish to schedule a visit, check out our website or give us a call at 321-783-7514.