As the autumn days settle in, it can be very tempting to have a tipple on those darker evenings. But are you aware of how alcoholic drinks can affect your teeth? Here’s the lowdown on some popular alcohol drinks and how they affect your dental health.
Light beer
One of the better options on our list, light beer has a high water content and is low in acidity. Choose beer that’s light in shade to stop surface stains on your teeth and to protect your tooth enamel from eroding.
Gin and tonic
Who doesn’t love a gin?! A low calorie drink of choice (especially if you choose diet tonic) a G&T is a clear liquid, which takes away the risk of tooth discolouration. It’s also low in acidity; as acid is responsible for eroding tooth enamel, this is good news. It’s true that because tonic is carbonated it can contribute to tooth damage, so be sure to top up with ice. Like everything, a G&T should be enjoyed in moderation.
Wine
Whilst white wine is better than red, wine in general is not ‘good’ for your teeth. You might make an educated guess that red wine would be the most harmful to your teeth of the two, considering its tooth-staining characteristics. Yes, red wine does contain tannins that stain your teeth, but the higher acidity content in white wine makes it the least favourable of the two. If you can, try drinking through a straw to prevent the wine from coming into contact with your teeth.
Bloody Marys
A drink that is no friend to your teeth, Bloody Marys are virtually the embodiment of acidity. The cataclysmic mixture of vodka, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce (not to mention the pickles that often go on top) is punishing for your teeth. Sorry Bloody Mary fans! Be sure to keep them for special occasions only.
The power of H20
Remember to drink plenty of water alongside any alcoholic drink. As alcohol causes dry mouth, it’s important to drink water and trigger saliva production, which will help remove plaque and bacteria from tooth surfaces.
Like everything, make sure you’re enjoying your alcoholic drinks in moderation. For guidance on how much you should be drinking, visit the NHS website.
As Norwich dentists at Corner House Dental we can help you improve your dental health and reduce the impact of alcohol consumption on your teeth.