Drinking wine, beer, or spirits in moderation can be a wonderful way to celebrate or enjoy time with friends. Alcohol can adversely affect your teeth, however. The following guide, provided by the dentist at Anchorage Dental Center in Alaska, explains why good oral hygiene is necessary if you drink alcohol.

How Alcohol Affects Oral Health

Encourages Decay

Alcohol is essentially sugar, so drinking large amounts has the same effect on the teeth as soda or energy drinks. Sugar adheres to the tooth’s surface, attracting bacteria that feeds on it and causing them to proliferate. Bacteria creates plaque and tartar, which erode enamel and cause inflamed or infected gums. Tooth loss and periodontal disease may result. See your dentist annually if you regularly consume alcohol.

Increases Dehydration

Alcohol is a diuretic and leads to a decrease in saliva flow. Saliva clears bacteria and food particles away from the teeth. The double damage of sugar and drying action makes alcohol especially problematic for oral health. When you drink, alternate the alcohol with plenty of water to keep the mouth and tissues hydrated. 

Staining

Red wine, port, sangria—any of the darker colored beverages—can contribute to dark, bluish staining on the teeth. The acid and tannins in red wine erode tooth enamel and allow the pigments in the beverage to attach to teeth. Red wine stains can be the most difficult to remove, even with dentist-administered teeth whitening. Eat food with red wine or drink plenty of water alongside it to keep staining to a minimum.

Drinking alcohol in moderation and maintaining a regular oral hygiene routine and dentist visits will keep your mouth healthy. Anchorage Dental Center offers preventive care, cosmetic dentistry, bonding, non-surgical gum treatment, crowns, bridges, and more. Visit their website to learn about their services or call (907) 278-2521 for an appointment.