Provided you maintain a regular route of oral hygiene, a drink once in a while isn’t going to have a significant impact on your teeth. When thinking about how alcohol may affect your oral health, start by remembering that alcohol is fermented sugars, and leftover sugars give alcohol its sweetness. In instances where there is little remaining sugar, you’re usually drinking liquor or spirits, which can arguably be worse for your teeth. Alcohol is a strong solvent that can be damaging to your dental enamel.
There’s a Strong Link Between Alcohol Consumption and Oral Cancer
Revealing The Truth In Myths About Oral Health and Alcohol
It seems like no matter what topic you’re discussing, primarily health-related, many urban myths are running around about them. Whether they talk about the supposed benefits of a particular thing or some worrying detriment, it’s essential to know the truth. Among the most commonly repeated myths about your oral health and the consumption of alcohol are:
- Alcohol Can Hydrate You – There is no factual basis for this one. Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it will make you urinate more. This property makes alcohol a poor choice for staying hydrated.
- Beer Isn’t Staining – While lighter beers are less likely to stain your teeth than darker ones, all beer has the potential to stain your teeth. The acid present in the beer can impact the strength of your enamel and cause staining.
- Citrus Can Help Alcohol Whiten Your Teeth – Not only is citrus not going to help whiten your teeth, but it can also inflict damage to your enamel and make it easier for them to become stained. This acid is why rinsing after drinking alcoholic beverages is essential.
- Alcohol and Oral Health Aren’t Connected – We don’t typically hear a lot about the connection, which leaves many to think there isn’t one. Unfortunately, alcohol use has been closely tied to increased risks of oral cancer and dental health concerns.
- Alcohol Kills Bacteria That Cause Cavities – While the alcohol present in mouthwash is there to help boost its bacteria-fighting abilities, there isn’t a high enough concentration in beverages to achieve this. Add in the sugar and other flavorings found in most alcoholic drinks, and all it does is make the situation worse.
There’s no sure way to avoid the fact that alcohol consumption can put your dental health at risk. Overindulgence and poor oral hygiene while consuming alcohol can both lead to severe repercussions for your teeth over time. This element is particularly true if you end the night with your head over a toilet.
One Squeeze From A Lemon Can Lead To Damage To Your Enamel
Contact Your Dentist For Your Next Visit Today
Regardless of your alcohol consumption level, regular visits to your dentist are essential to your oral health. If you haven’t been in the chair for a while, it’s time to contact your dentist and schedule your next appointment. Be sure to ask the hygienist and dentist questions about topics like these while you’re there!
