
Alcohol and Oral Health
Here in Perth, we love our lifestyle – and for many of us, that includes enjoying a drink now and then. However as your local Willetton dental team, we often see the less obvious side of this enjoyment: how alcohol can impact your oral health.
It’s not about telling you to stop enjoying yourself. Instead, it’s about giving you the facts so you can make choices that protect your teeth and health.
Let’s break down what alcohol does to your mouth.
Dry Mouth Dilemma: Why You Need Saliva
Ever noticed a dry mouth after a few drinks? That’s not just discomfort; alcohol reduces the amount of saliva your mouth produces, which has a significant impact on your dental health.
Think of saliva as your mouth’s natural protector. It’s constantly working to:
- Wash away food bits: Keeping your teeth clean.
- Neutralise acids: Helping to prevent cavities.
- Repair enamel: Delivering minerals to strengthen your teeth.
When your mouth is dry, these protective functions slow down. This creates a perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria, leading to:
- More Cavities: Without enough saliva to rinse away food and neutralise acids, bacteria can feast on sugars and create more acid, dissolving your tooth enamel and causing cavities.
- Gum Disease: A dry mouth allows a sticky film of bacteria (plaque) to build up more easily on your teeth, irritating your gums, leading to redness, swelling, and bleeding gums (gingivitis). If left untreated, this can progress to more serious gum disease (periodontitis), which can damage the bone supporting your teeth and even lead to tooth loss.
The Acid Attack: Eroding Your Teeth
Many alcoholic drinks are quite acidic. Think about wines (especially whites), ciders, and even mixed drinks that use fizzy sodas or fruit juices. This acidity attacks your tooth enamel – the hard, protective outer layer of your teeth, in a process called dental erosion, which makes your teeth weaker and more vulnerable.
This can lead to:
- Sensitive Teeth: As enamel wears away, the softer layer underneath (dentine) becomes exposed. This can make your teeth sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet things.
- Dull or Stained Teeth: Enamel helps your teeth look white and shiny. When it erodes, your teeth can appear duller or more yellowish. Plus, dark drinks like red wine can directly stain your teeth over time.
The Hidden Sugars and What They Do
It’s not just the alcohol and acidity. Many popular alcoholic drinks are surprisingly high in sugar. Cocktails, pre-mixed drinks, and even some beers can be loaded with it. This sugar, combined with a dry, acidic mouth, creates a triple threat for your teeth, feeding the bacteria that cause cavities.
Heavy alcohol use can also weaken your body’s immune system. A weaker immune system means your mouth is less able to fight off infections, including those that cause gum disease.
The Serious Risk: Oral Cancer
This is a very important point. Excessive alcohol consumption is a significant risk factor for oral cancer. This risk becomes much, much higher if you also smoke. Oral cancer can affect your lips, tongue, cheeks, and throat.
Regular dental check-ups are incredibly important because your dentist can spot any unusual changes or lesions in your mouth early on, which is key for successful treatment.
Protecting Your Teeth: Simple Tips
Does all this mean you have to skip your next social drink? Not at all! Here are some practical tips to help minimise the impact of alcohol on your oral health:
- Drink in Moderation: Less is always better for your overall health, and that includes your teeth.
- Hydrate with Water: Make water your best friend! Sip plain water between alcoholic drinks. This helps rinse your mouth, wash away acids and sugars, and combat dry mouth.
- Choose Wisely: Opt for lower-sugar and less acidic alcoholic options when you can.
- Wait Before You Brush: After an acidic drink, your tooth enamel is temporarily softened. Wait at least 30-60 minutes before brushing your teeth to allow your saliva time to re-harden the enamel. A quick rinse with water is fine though.
- Chew Sugar-Free Gum: Chewing sugar-free gum can help stimulate saliva flow, which washes away acids and helps clean your teeth.
- Keep Up Your Routine: This is vital! Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles.
- See Your Dentist Regularly: Regular check-ups and professional cleans at our Willetton dental practice are crucial. We can monitor your oral health, spot any issues early, and give you personalised advice to keep your smile healthy and bright.
Herald Avenue Dental Centre in Willetton
Enjoying all that Perth has to offer is wonderful, and by understanding how alcohol can affect your oral health, you can make informed choices to keep your teeth looking their best for years to come.
If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly team. Contact us or book an appointment online.