As long as alcoholic beverages are consumed in moderation, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying them. However, you should keep your dental health in mind before ordering a bottle. Learn some of the ill effects of alcohol on your oral health and dental care tips to combat them.

How Alcohol Affects Your Teeth

1. Sugar

It’s easy to see how sweet cocktails with syrups and garnishes can damage your teeth, but you might overlook the sugar content in other alcoholic beverages. If you’re popping some bubbly in celebration, sticking to dry champagnes can save you from several grams of additional sugar. A dry brut, for example, has around a half gram of sugar while a sweet champagne can have nearly 10 grams. Certain varieties of wine also contain a lot of sugar, including sweet red wine, port, and sherry.

2. Dry Mouth

Saliva production is crucial to maintaining a healthy smile. Saliva washes away bits of food and neutralizes bacterial acid. However, alcohol causes dry mouth and dehydration, which can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. Drink water while imbibing alcohol or chew on a piece of sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production.

3. Gum Disease

Studies have shown that the severity of periodontal disease increases with alcohol intake. In addition to tooth and gum damage, periodontal disease has been linked to serious health concerns such as stroke, heart disease, and cancer. No matter how much alcohol you drink, a dental care regimen of brushing and flossing can reduce your risk for gum disease.

In addition to watching your alcohol consumption, seek regular professional dental care from Carter S. Yokoyama, DDS, in Kailua-Kona, HI. From basic services like cleanings and examinations to expert cosmetic procedures like whitening and dental implants, Dr. Yokoyama and his team will help you achieve the smile you deserve. Plus, aromatherapy, paraffin wax hand treatments, noise-cancelling headphones, and other amenities are all at your disposal to make you feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible. Visit the website for a more detailed look at the dental care services available, or call (808) 322-0101 to make an appointment today.