Consuming Alcohol + Oral Health

When raising our summer cocktail to say cheers, we are most likely not thinking of our oral health care. Whether it’s a summer cocktail, wine or champagne, you should understand that alcohol is not a friend to your teeth. Here’s how alcohol can affect your teeth and how to choose your drinks wisely!

Sugar Content: Sugar is a major factor risk factor for tooth decay. The bacteria in your mouth thrive on sugar. When you sip on sugary drinks you are feeding the bacteria in your mouth. Choosing beverages with less sugar will help! A glass of champagne has typically 1-6 grams of sugar and dry white wine contains 1-5 grams per serving for example.

Dehydration is also another problem and one of the side effects of alcohol! This can lead to decreased saliva flow. Instead of bacteria being washed away by saliva it clings to the enamel of your teeth! Be sure to balance your drinks with water or bring some gum to chew!

Staining Heavily colored alcohol can leave stains on your teeth. These include red wine, sangria and some digestifs. Be sure to brush your teeth as soon as possible to prevent these stains from lingering!

For more questions about dental care in Saint Lambert, contact Centre Dentaire Saint-Lambert today!

– Centre Dentaire Saint-Lambert Team