Our Dentist in Methuen Shares the Dangerous Side Effects of Alcohol on Your Smile

Most people indulge in a drink occasionally but have you ever considered what those drinks do to your smile? Here are some things our dentist in Methuen want our patients to think about the next time you raise your glass in celebration.

Hydration

Drinking alcohol causes your mouth to become dry. This lack of saliva leads to additional food debris and plaque sticking to your teeth. This results in an increase of cavities. To offset the drying effect, make sure you drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.

The Twist

Many drinks come with a lime or lemon to bring out more flavor, but this might damage your teeth. The acids in some fruits lead to tooth enamel erosion. You could always opt for an olive instead, which won’t hurt your teeth. If you must have the citrus fruit, make sure you rinse out your mouth with water when the drink is over.

Dark Drinks

Red wines and dark beer lead to tooth staining. If you are drinking something darker, you’ll want to rinse your mouth out with water when you’re finished. You might have the urge to brush your teeth right away, but you’ll want to hold off. Brushing the acids around just helps it spread to the rest of your teeth which puts all your enamel at risk. It’s best to wait about 30 minutes after you drink to brush your teeth.

Keep in mind that one night of celebrating isn’t going to cause tooth damage or decay. You should have no trouble celebrating a holiday or birthday without an issue. The concern comes in when drinking becomes a regular habit. Continually exposing your teeth to the effects of alcohol won’t help you achieve the bright, healthy smile you desire. If you have more questions about how to protect your teeth, reach out to our dentist in Methuen, Dr. Sandler.