While alcohol can take its toll on the body in a number of ways, its effects on teeth are not as widely discussed. Dentists stress the importance of understanding how alcohol treats your teeth and gums. The team at Legacy Dental Arts, based in Eagle River, AK, provides general dentistry services, and makes it their mission to improve patients’ oral health.

It’s critical to understand alcohol’s effect on your mouth. Here are some of the side effects you might experience if you consume too much alcohol:

• Increased Plaque: Many alcoholic beverages, such as champagne, wine, and cocktails, contain high amounts of sugar. The bacteria in your mouth thrive on the sugar in your foods and drinks, causing an increase in plaque buildup on the teeth. Over time, the enamel on your teeth breaks down, which can lead to the development of cavities and several visits to the dentist’s office. Plaque that isn’t regularly removed becomes tartar, which can build up along the gum line and cause irritation, also known as gingivitis. Severe cases might result in bleeding gums and painful swelling that does not go away.
• Dry Mouth: Alcohol is a diuretic that causes people to urinate more frequently. The body loses more fluid than usual, and it also slows the flow of saliva in your mouth. As a result, the bacteria from alcohol sugar linger instead of being naturally washed away by your saliva. This results in a drier mouth that is also more susceptible to tooth decay. This is why it’s important to drink plenty of water to balance your alcohol intake. You can also try to reduce alcohol intake to one drink and sip water throughout the evening to keep your body hydrated.
• Stained Teeth: Dark drinks like red wine or the soda mixed into your cocktail can create obvious stains on your teeth that require professional teeth whitening services to remove. Even beer, which is highly acidic, can affect the color of your teeth. One way to prevent severe staining is to sip your alcohol through a straw, so it has less contact with your teeth. Sip plenty of water after you’ve finished your drink to wash it away.

You can do your part to help your teeth by cutting down on your alcohol intake. Consider having one drink at the start of the night and replacing it with sparkling water or fruit juice for the remainder of the evening. Over time, you may even notice an improvement in your overall health—reduced alcohol intake has been shown to improve energy and focus.

If it’s time for a visit to the dentist, get in touch with Legacy Dental Arts. Whether you need a general dentistry appointment or have a specific concern, these skilled dentists can help you. For more information, visit the website or call (907) 622-7874.