If you enjoy a glass of wine at the end of a hectic day, you’ll want to read this. Whatever you choose as your personal self-care regimen or what you call relaxation time is totally up to you. We don’t judge. But, besides advocating everything in moderation—we wanted to share some expert insights on the alcohol you drink. With the holidays around the corner, we investigate the worst drinks for your teeth. Want to keep your teeth nice and white? Ladies, listen up.
“The Worst Drinks For Your Teeth”
Since we are big proponents of self-care and enjoying life with loved ones, we thought it was important to share the ups and downs of having a sip or two. So, if you like your wine, you’re in luck. In doing so, the RedLily™ team spoke to Dr. Sandra Garcia Martin, a leading cosmetic dentist with a care-focused approach to oral health. Here’s what she had to say on the topic— as well as helpful tips to get you through the festive season.
“Despite common knowledge about the downsides of alcohol, a lot of women admit that it’s an indulgence they won’t give up. Here are some things to consider.”
1. Staining
The color in beverages comes from chromogens. Chromogens attach to tooth enamel that’s been compromised by the acid in alcohol, staining teeth. Tip: One way to bypass this is to drink alcoholic drinks with a straw.
If you have a preference for mixing liquor with dark sodas, or love to drink red wine, say goodbye to a white smile. Aside from the sugar content, dark-colored soft drinks can stain or discolor the teeth, too.
Tip: Rinse your mouth with water between drinks.
Note: Beer is only marginally better because it is acidic just like wine. That makes your teeth more likely to be stained by the dark barley and malts found in darker beers.
2. Dryness
People who like spirits, often have dry mouth. Saliva keeps teeth moist and helps to remove plaque and bacteria from the tooth’s surface. Tip: Try to stay hydrated by drinking water while you drink alcohol.
3. Other damage
Tooth damage related to alcohol is increased if you chew the ice in your drinks, which can break your teeth, or if you add citrus to your beverage. Tip: The American Dental Association notes that even a squeeze of lemon could erode tooth enamel.
Lastly, did you know?
“People who have alcohol use disorder tend to have higher plaque levels on their teeth and are as likely to experience permanent tooth loss.”
For another great wellness article featuring your pearly whites, read RedLily’s “Benefits of Good Oral Health”.
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Meet the Expert: Dr. Sandra is an industry-leading dentist, based in London. She specializes in creating beautiful smiles with pioneering cosmetic dentistry that’s backed by studies at the prestigious NYU. For more info, visit www.sandrabigsmile.com
