Alcohol’s negative effects on the liver are well known, but did you know it’s also detrimental to your oral health? At Four Corners Dental Group in Anchorage and Wasilla, AK, the dentists and support staff offer a wide range of family dentistry services and the information patients need to maintain strong, healthy teeth.

Along with tobacco, alcohol is a known contributor to tooth decay. This is largely because of the high quantities of gum-corroding sugar and acids in alcoholic beverages. Alcohol will also dry out your mouth, which increases your risk of tooth decay due to the lack of saliva. With binge drinkers, the problem is often more severe, not only due to the quantity of alcohol consumed, but also because they’re more likely to vomit from overconsumption, thus resulting in even more acid in the mouth. 

Of all the tooth-eroding culprits, a sugary mixed drink is the worst. Whether your preference is a whiskey and coke or a vodka cranberry, the sugar in the mixer is especially detrimental when combined with the acidity of the spirit. Both white and red wine pack an enamel-softening punch as well, with red wine doing even more damage by staining your teeth. While beer remains harmful due to its acidic properties, it does the least amount of damage. A lighter, low-carb beer will contain more water and less acidity than the other alcoholic beverages.

In addition to understanding why alcohol has a negative effect on your teeth, Alaska’s best dentists want to recommend a few things you can do to mitigate the impact if you do decide to drink: 

• Regular Dentist Visits: After a dental cleaning, your teeth are smoother and less susceptible to stains and decay. 
• Sip Water: Drinking water intermittently can help wash away the alcohol from your teeth. Chewing sugar-free gum also helps by promoting saliva production.
• Brush As Soon As Possible: Brushing and flossing soon after consuming alcohol helps stave off some of the negative effects.
• Don’t Overindulge: The more consecutive drinks you have, the greater the damage to your teeth. 

Keep your oral health in check by visiting Alaska’s best family dentistry practice. The staff at Four Corners Dental Group offers a wide variety of services, including dental implants, veneers, and Invisalign braces. To schedule an appointment with a dentist at one of their two convenient locations, call (907) 258-3384 or visit their website.