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We all know that sugary snacks and acidic fruit juice don’t do our teeth any favours. But now dentists are warning of another hidden source of damage to our molars: alcohol. Last week, it was revealed only 16 per cent of people have considered the effects of alcohol on their oral health. Yet dentists say even just a nightly glass of wine can dry out your mouth, suck the calcium from your teeth, and leave you with bad breath. Alcohol is also increasingly associated with mouth cancer. Here, we reveal how too much drink could take the smile off your face. . . THE ACID TEST When we put acidic food or drink — such as citrus fruits, fruit juice, coffee and even chocolate — in our mouths, enamel, the white, protective, calcium coating on the surface of the teeth, starts to dissolve. This is because the acid softens enamel, allowing some of its calcium content to leach out, weakening its structure. When enamel is eventually worn away, nerves underneath can be exposed, leading to sensitivity and pain. Most alcoholic drinks are extremely acidic, with sparkling beverages at least as acidic as orange juice. As a rule, dry, sparkling wines are the worst of all alcoholic drinks, as the bubbles in them are caused by carbon dioxide, which is acidic. You’d be better picking a less acidic, flat wine over prosecco or champagne. Artificial carbonated drinks of any kind also pose a threat because manufacturers pump them full of carbonic acid to produce bubbles, which helps soften teeth further. Fruit ciders are often artificially carbonated, so steer clear. Even fizzy water, harmless though it may seem, is very acidic. STAINING PAIN Wearing away enamel with acidic and sugary drinks will discolour teeth by exposing the dentine underneath, which is a darker, yellower shade. So, whatever you do, don’t add to this by staining them as well.Clear drinks aren’t a problem, but those darker in colour are. Most obviously, red wine and port are drinks to avoid, but you should also steer clear of cranberry juice or blackcurrant cordial. Coffee-based cocktails are also a problem. These drinks can also stain expensive white fillings and dentures. If teeth are stained, this may be removed by thorough brushing, but don’t over-brush as, counter-intuitively, you’ll brush away more enamel and make them look even worse. If heavy staining can’t be shifted, Dr Clover advises visiting your dentist or hygienist for professional whitening. If you’re really worried, you could ask the dentist for a custom-made rubber mouth guard. If you can survive the embarrassment, this will cover teeth while you drink and protect against staining. SUGAR ATTACK Pina coladas, sticky liqueurs and sweet sherry are tempting, but are also stuffed with sugar. This is harmful to teeth, as the bacteria in our mouths feed off this sugar and release acid as a by-product, fuelling the process of tooth decay. If you combine already-acidic alcohol with a mixer, such as cola, lemonade, tonic water, or juice (all of which are very acidic and sugary), the result is even more harmful to your teeth than either of the separate parts. BAD BREATH Alcohol dehydrates the body, including the mouth, as it is a diuretic (it makes the body pass out more water), resulting in reduced saliva flow. Saliva helps fight bacteria in the mouth so, when it is dry, the micro-organisms flourish, leading to plaque build-up and, inevitably, bad breath. Plaque, in turn, leads to higher risk of tooth decay, as well as gum disease, where bacteria irritate the gums, leaving them swollen, sore, or infected, resulting in bleeding during brushing. CANCER RISK Between 75 and 80 per cent of mouth cancer patients say they frequently drink alcohol, according to Cancer Research UK. ‘Drinking to excess, particularly in combination with smoking, is a risk factor for mouth cancer,’ warns Dr Carter. |
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