If you’re toasting to your friends’ health with a cold one in your hand, it’s probably not their oral health that’s on your mind. It’s easy (especially after you’ve had a few) to overlook how alcoholic beverages can affect your teeth and gums. Beer isn’t necessarily off-limits if you want to maintain good oral health, but, like with a lot of things, enjoying it in moderation is best. Drinking beer too frequently or excessively can lead to several dental concerns. Let’s explore a few.
Beer Can Increase Your Risk of Cavities
Many beers contain carbohydrates and sugars that oral bacteria can use to produce acids, acids that love to eat through your tooth enamel and cause tooth decay over time.
Some flavored or craft beers may contain more residual sugars than others. Drinking beer frequently throughout the evening can also expose your teeth to these substances for longer periods, increasing opportunities for acid attacks. A good tip? Have one or two, call it quits, and wash it away with water.
May Cause Dry Mouth
Alcohol can contribute to dry mouth in some people. Saliva plays an important role in oral health through washing away food particles, neutralizing acids, and protecting your teeth. When your mouth is dry, you may lose some of this natural protection.
Reduced saliva flow can create an environment that makes cavities and other oral health problems more likely.
Tooth Discoloration
Like coffee and cola, frequently drinking darker beers plus time equals discolored teeth. Stained teeth may damage your confidence and lead you to smile less or hesitate to talk in a group setting. Try having some water with your brew and brush your teeth after you’ve had your fill.
How Can You Protect Your Smile?
For those who love a beer during a barbecue or ball game, don’t be discouraged! You don’t necessarily have to give up beer completely to protect your teeth. Moderation and good oral hygiene can help reduce potential risks.
Start by drinking water while you’re drinking beer. Water can help rinse away acids and food particles and keep your mouth hydrated. Drinking water between alcoholic beverages is also a good way to reduce the amount of time your teeth are exposed to beer.
You should also keep up a consistent oral hygiene regimen of daily brushing and flossing, as well as visiting your dentist every 6 months for cleanings and checkups. However, avoid brushing immediately after consuming an acidic beverage because enamel may be temporarily softened. Rinsing with water first and waiting before brushing can be gentler on your enamel.
Beer can affect your teeth and gums through its acidity, carbohydrate content, and potential contribution to dry mouth. That doesn’t mean you have to eliminate it from your life, but being mindful of how often and how long you drink can help reduce its impact.
About the Practice
If you’re in Toledo and can’t remember the last time you visited the dentist for a routine checkup and cleaning, we would love to see you at Dental Group West! We’ll rid your teeth of harmful plaque and tartar and catch any early signs of developing issues so we can nip them in the bud. Contact us online for an appointment or by phone at (419) 539-2168.