303-296-1402
1391 Speer Blvd., Suite 540As you probably know, drinking alcoholic beverages can lead to serious health issues, but did you know that your smile can suffer as well? While you may have heard that certain drinks, such as coffee or tea, can stain your teeth, did you know that alcohol can wear down your enamel? If this happens, you may ultimately find yourself coping with tooth decay and several other serious issues.
One reason alcohol is harmful is that it dries out your mouth. The saliva in your mouth washes away bad bacteria and excess food particles. However, if your mouth is dry, your mouth may not be able to produce saliva. Ultimately, this can also lead to your enamel softening.
This doesn’t mean you have to stop drinking alcohol entirely, but there are a few things you can do to mitigate the negative effects of drinking alcohol. For instance, we recommend drinking plenty of water after an alcoholic beverage to rinse out your mouth. Similarly, you should limit soda and alcohol since they can cause more issues. Finally, please don’t brush your teeth for at least twenty minutes after you’ve had an alcoholic drink.
If you have any questions about alcohol consumption and how it affects your teeth, please don’t hesitate to contact Thomas E. Ouellette, DDS, PC at 303-296-1402. Dr. Thomas Ouellette and our team look forward to hearing from you soon.