Well it seems that there are many reasons to hoist a glass high and “cheers” allowed with friends over some sort of Holiday, celebration, dinner, or just a Tuesday.. And while we encourage everyone to have a great and responsible time we do need to remind you of the effects alcohol can have on your teeth, we don’t want to be the downers… HOWEVER maybe today’s tips can give you the best of both worlds, a great celebration, AND a way to keep that smile perfect!
First things first The CDC considers heavy drinking to be more than eight drinks a week for women, and 15 or more for men. Gum disease, tooth decay, and mouth sores are all much more likely for heavy drinkers, and alcohol abuse is the second most common risk factor for oral cancer. So this being said we can all work towards a moderate balanced lifestyle that helps protect our bodies AND our teeth!
Secondly, The American Dental Association (ADA) warns that one of the often-forgotten side effects of alcohol can be just as damaging to your teeth: dehydration. Alcohol Consumption leads to a decrease in saliva flow, so instead of being washed away naturally, bacteria clings to the enamel and increases your risk of tooth decay. A GREAT rule of thumb is to order a round of water in between rounds of cocktails! This serves multiple purposes, not even the least of which is how your head feels the next morning…
And thirdly if you already have sensitive teeth, like whitening toothpaste, some over-the-counter mouthwashes and rinses contain alcohol and other chemicals that can make your teeth more sensitive — especially if your dentin’s exposed. Instead, try neutral fluoride rinses or simply skip the rinse and be more diligent about flossing and brushing.
We hope these tips help next time that party rolls around! And in the meantime come visit us at Urban Smiles Family Dental in Edmonton, Alberta!!!
Connect with Urban Smiles Family Dental Below: