What about holiday drinking and your teeth?

Holiday parties and hottie toddies, what do these two things have in common? Alcohol. While many of us (of legal age, of course) enjoy indulging in a holiday-inspired cocktail or a glass of red wine by the fire, does anyone take into consideration the effect these adult-beverages have on our teeth?

Holiday alcohol consumption peaks on New Years Day in the United States. The second most boozy day is Christmas. With both of these holidays around the corner, at Josey Lane Dentistry we’ve provided some tips and tricks to help prevent tooth staining or other oral health problems that can be associated with an increased alcohol intake. However, we don’t have any remedies for the hangover, so at any rate consume responsibly!

Too staining

The deep red color of your favorite cabernet come from chromogens in wine, which are a highly pigmented substance. While most evident in red wine, it is also contained in white wine. These chromogens actually attach to tooth enamel that has been weakened by the acid contained in that same glass of vino, and can result in staining. Since no tooth is perfectly smooth, the pigmentation easily settles in deep cracks and grooves. The phrase “red wine teeth” is a product of this phenomenon. To prevent tooth staining, carefully brush and floss your teeth before drinking wine. And since stains cling to the plaque on your teeth, by minimizing the plaque you will also decrease the chances of staining. Finally, remember to drink water frequently while you sip your wine. This will help rinse your teeth off.

Dry mouth

It sounds counter-intuitive that drinking causes your mouth to suffer from excessive dryness. However, alcohol is a diuretic, and as your body breaks it down it removes water from your blood through urination. The more you drink, the more dehydrated you become.

Saliva plays an important role in keeping your mouth healthy. It helps to wash out food residue and to keep tissues soft. In addition, it slows the growth of harmful bacteria that lead to periodontal diseases. If you choose to drink, make sure you increase your water intake. This will help prevent dry mouth and ward off any morning headaches.

Increased Acidity

A vodka cranberry might be a holiday drink of choice: however, the high sugar content means this bar favorite is terrible for your teeth. Excess sugar from this beverage can get lodged in the cracks of your teeth and gum line. If not addressed, it can cause periodontal disease such a cavities and gum decay. Combining the excess sugar with dry mouth caused by alcohol, and you are at an increased risk for dental disease. Many of these fruity cocktails are highly acidic, too. Acids can wear away enamel and increase the likelihood of bacteria invading your teeth. If you choose a fancy cocktail, pair it with a glass of water to wash away excess sugar.

If you are concerned about how your holiday alcohol consumption might affect your teeth, we’ve provided a few additional tips for before you get tipsy:

Step 1: Before drinking

Make sure you are up-to-date on all your dental exams. Teeth that are not clean or smooth are more likely to have bad bacteria settle in them. In addition to visiting our Carrollton office, ensure your daily oral care routine includes both brushing and flossing.

Step 2: While drinking

Drinking water while consuming alcohol is good advice to ensure you remain sober, and is also essential to protect your teeth. Try drinking at least one glass of water for every alcoholic beverage you consume. Also, never drink on an empty stomach. Nibble on crunchy foods such as veggies or crackers while you drink to help dislodge particles stuck between your teeth and increase saliva production.

Step 3: After you drink

Always brush and floss your teeth after a night out, no matter how tired you are. If you notice any staining, consider an in-home tooth whitening treatment to get rid of surface-level stains. Also, feel free to contact us at Josey Lane to discuss professional tooth whitening treatments!