It's common knowledge that regular, long-term consumption of alcohol can have a detrimental effect on the body, causing everything from liver disease to immune system suppression. But as any dentist will tell you, chronic alcohol use can also impact your teeth. The occasional drink or moderate consumption of alcohol is generally no reason for concern, but anyone who chooses to imbibe should be aware of how liquor can affect their oral health.

Sugar

Alcohol products tend to contain high amounts of sugar, which can wreak havoc on teeth. Because it’s sticky, it clings to the surface of the tooth, where it interacts with acids in your mouth to create tooth decay. Since most people aren't brushing or even rinsing well after drinking an alcoholic beverage, this can be a problem with routine drinking. Dentists often suggest one slight workaround for this: If you can’t brush or thoroughly rinse while drinking, choose liquors with lower alcohol content and less sugar, such as dry wines and beer.

Stains

If you're a longtime red wine drinker, the deep color of the grapes can stain the teeth. The same goes for any deeply or brightly colored spirit, such as blue curacao, green apple liqueur, and sangria. Over time, these drinks cause the teeth to lose their shine, and the stains can be stubborn to remove. If boldly hued beverages are in your usual alcohol rotation, be sure to brush thoroughly with a dentist-approved, gentle toothpaste after drinking. Teeth whitening treatments are another popular option.

Dehydration

Alcohol dehydrates the body, even the mouth and gums. When not enough saliva is present in the mouth, it can't effectively wash away the bacteria that stick to the surface of the teeth. For people who drink on a regular basis, this can lead to more frequent issues with saliva production. Without this crucial natural rinsing action, bacteria have more of an opportunity to produce tooth decay.

Recognizing the impact alcohol has on your teeth will help you make smart choices when it comes to drinking. For any oral health issues, trust dentist Mark Shurett at Shurett Dental Group. He and his team provide the Rockdale County, GA, area with a variety of dental treatments, including oral exams, crowns and bridges, and tooth extractions. To schedule an appointment, call (770) 860-8760, visit their website, or contact them via Facebook.