Wondering whether alcohol is bad for your teeth?
A dentist reveals how heavy drinking is linked to cavities, dry mouth, gum disease, and more.
It canmess up your sleep,freak out your gut, and potentiallyeven make you stinky.
(Not to mention the hangovers and anxiety over-imbibing can bring.)
We asked a dentist to give us the scoop.
Is alcohol bad for your teeth?
Tyler Hales, DDSis a cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles and South Orange County, California.
Sadly, yes, alcohol is pretty bad for your teeth (and gums!
), saysTyler Hales, DDS, a cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles and South Orange County, California.
For one, alcohol can cause you tohave a dry mouth1, he begins.
Its not just an unpleasant feeling (although it is that, too).
Excessive consumption of alcohol over time is also bad for your gums, too.
In some cases, drinking can have very serious consequences on your oral health.
(Excess sugar consumption is alsoassociated with cavities.)
Red wine and other dark alcohols can lead to staining and discoloration, which may compound over time.
How much alcohol is enough to do damage?
Tyler Hales, DDSis a cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles and South Orange County, California.
Red wine and other dark alcohols can lead to staining and discoloration, which may compound over time.
However, dont let this information freak you out unnecessarily.
As is the case with most things in life, moderation is key.
You dont necessarily need to lay off the hard stuff completely if you enjoy a social drink with friends.
It might also sound counterintuitive, but whatever you do, dont brush your teeth immediately after drinking.
Dr. Hales suggests waiting at least 30 to 60 minutes before brushing up.
This is especially true after drinking red wine or other darker colored alcohols.
Red wine issimilar to coffeein that its highly acidic, which softens the protective enamel of your teeth.
Scrubbing too soon after drinking (even if youre just trying to get off that red wine stain!)
Yes, alcohol can hurt your teeth and gums when consumed in excess over time.
But a drink every so often isnt likely to cause any lasting damage.
The bottom line: Yes, alcohol can hurt your teeth and gums when consumed in excess over time.
But a drink every so often isnt likely to cause any lasting damage.
Sodrink mindfully, and keep up with your normal good brushing and flossing habits.
Inenaga, Kiyotoshi et al.
Thirst sensation and oral dryness following alcohol intake.The Japanese dental science reviewvol.
53,3 (2017): 78-85. doi:10.1016/j.jdsr.2016.12.001
Lages, Eugenio J P et al.
Alcohol Consumption and Periodontitis: Quantification of Periodontal Pathogens and Cytokines.Journal of periodontologyvol.
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