{"id":689,"date":"2023-12-20T16:26:49","date_gmt":"2023-12-20T16:26:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.distinguished-dental.com\/blog\/?p=689"},"modified":"2023-12-20T16:26:50","modified_gmt":"2023-12-20T16:26:50","slug":"drink-dental-damage-new-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.distinguished-dental.com\/blog\/2023\/12\/20\/drink-dental-damage-new-year\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Drink During New Year\u2019s While Protecting Your Smile"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"Clinking<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

The new year is almost here, and you\u2019re likely planning to greet it by getting together with friends and family. Chances are that the celebration will involve a few alcoholic beverages. But while there\u2019s nothing wrong with enjoying a drink every once in a while, you should be aware of the impact that alcohol can have on your oral health \u2013 as well as the steps your dentist<\/a> might suggest for keeping your smile safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Alcohol and Your Oral Health<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many alcoholic beverages, such as wine, are known to be acidic. Consequently, they can weaken the enamel protecting your teeth. Weakened enamel is more prone to damage or decay, meaning you could be at a higher risk for dental problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, alcohol can slow down the production of saliva in your mouth. This is problematic because saliva plays a critical role in getting rid of the plaque that accumulates on your teeth and gums. A lack of saliva can lead to plaque buildup, which in turn can result in cavities and other oral health issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some alcoholic drinks include sugar as an ingredient. The bacteria in your mouth can feed on sugar and turn it into acids that gradually eat away at your enamel. Additionally, some alcoholic drinks contain citrus, which can further weaken your teeth and increase your overall chances of decay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, it should be noted that certain alcoholic beverages, such as red wine, can easily end up staining your smile. Plenty of dark-colored beverages can discolor teeth, but red wine is a particularly notorious offender because enamel tends to be more susceptible to staining once alcohol has weakened it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Protect Your Teeth from Alcoholic Drinks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As long as you\u2019re taking the right precautions, there\u2019s nothing wrong with enjoying some drinks during the new year. All you need to do is follow these tips for keeping your smile safe:<\/p>\n\n\n\n