Whether it’s to celebrate a special occasion or just to simply make a toast among friends, many people enjoy alcohol. However, for all the fun that these beverages can provide, they aren’t exactly great for your oral health. Unfortunately, there are also several myths floating around out there that encourage people to neglect their smile in favor of another drink. Keep reading to learn more from your dentist about four myths pertaining to alcohol and oral health that simply aren’t true.
Myth #1. Alcohol Won’t Stain Your Smile
Alcoholic drinks like beers, ciders, and wines are all capable of discoloring your teeth when drunk in excess. The color in some of these darker beverages is composed of tiny particles called chromogens that are capable of attaching to enamel that’s been compromised by the acidity of the alcohol.
Myth #2. Adding Citrus to Alcohol Makes It Healthier
Several drinks feature citrus fruit, whether it’s a lemon slice, a lime wedge or even an orange shaving. While there’s no doubt that this can enhance the flavor and experience of a drink, the added acidity isn’t good for your smile. In fact, the American Dental Association notes that even one squeeze of lemon juice provides enough acid to eat away at the enamel.
Myth #3. Alcohol Keeps You Hydrated
It goes without saying that water is the absolute best beverage for your oral health and plays a key role in keeping your saliva flowing and your hydration levels where they need to be. That said, alcohol does not do this; rather, it can actually dry out your mouth when consumed in excess. This vastly increases the likelihood of a cavity developing.
Myth #4. Frequent Alcohol Consumption Cleanses Your Teeth
Even though some types of alcohol are designed for cleansing things, they won’t benefit your teeth in this way. Heavy drinking can also lead to frequent vomiting, which only increases the amount of acidity that your teeth are being exposed to. You should always be sure that you’re brushing your teeth before going to bed, especially if you’ve been drinking.
Your smile is an important feature; it allows you to make awesome first impressions and helps you confidently navigate social situations—including ones involving alcohol. That said, be mindful of how you’re enjoying these drinks, and don’t let any of these myths falsely guide you.
About Pinnacle Dental
Here at Pinnacle Dental, we’re thrilled to offer patients and families in the Braintree, MA area an exceptional level of care. Under the leadership of Dr. James Zonghetti and Dr. Albert Kim, we provide a wide range of preventive, cosmetic and restorative treatments. If you have any questions about the article or would like to arrange a visit, you can contact us online or over the phone for additional information or assistance: (781) 412-1412.