Alcohol and Dental Health
During Christmas and New Year, many of us enjoy a glass of champagne at midnight or a cosy mulled wine by the fire. Alcohol can become a core part of our festive traditions, helping us unwind and savour the special moments.
After the festivities wind down, January offers a fresh start – and many of us choose to take part in Dry January, a month-long break from alcohol.
While the health benefits of cutting back on alcohol for a month are well-known, such as improving liver health, one major benefit is often forgotten about – your smile.
In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of Dry January for your teeth, along with helpful tips to protect your dental health when consuming alcohol this festive season.
The Benefits of Dry January for Your Smile
You might already know that Dry January can boost your overall health, improve sleep and help with weight management. It can even allow you to think more clearly. But did you know that taking a break from alcohol for just one month can lead to noticeable improvements in your dental health?
Improved Oral Hygiene
Alcohol can have a negative effect on your ability to maintain good oral hygiene. Drinking, especially when frequent or in large quantities, can reduce saliva production. Saliva washes away food particles and neutralises acids in the mouth.
When alcohol causes dehydration and diminishes saliva flow, the mouth becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. This can lead to bad breath and an increased risk of cavities and gum disease.
By taking a month off, your mouth gets the chance to hydrate and your saliva production can resume its normal function, making it easier to keep your smile clean and healthy.
Reduced Risk of Tooth Sensitivity
Many alcoholic drinks, especially wine and beer, are acidic and can erode tooth enamel over time. Enamel is the hard outer layer of your teeth that protects them from decay and sensitivity. Alcohol can wear away at this enamel, making your teeth more vulnerable to sensitivity.
Taking a break from alcohol during Dry January helps protect your enamel from further erosion.
Lower Risk of Gum Disease
Excessive drinking can weaken your immune system, which in turn can make it harder for your body to fight off harmful bacteria in the mouth. This increases the risk of gum disease, which starts as gingivitis (inflammation and bleeding of the gums) and can progress to more serious conditions like periodontitis.
The reduced alcohol intake during Dry January can help your gums recover from any damage caused by previous drinking, allowing you to maintain healthier gums and reduce the risk of infections.
Whiter Teeth
If you’ve ever noticed your teeth looking a little more yellow after a few glasses of red wine, you’re not alone. Alcohol, particularly wine and other drinks with artificial colouring, can stain your teeth.
By cutting out alcohol for a month, you’re giving your teeth a break from these staining agents. After just a few weeks, you may notice that your teeth appear brighter and whiter, especially if you maintain a good oral care routine during Dry January.
Better Breath
We all know that alcohol can contribute to bad breath, both during and after drinking. When alcohol is metabolised in the body, it releases compounds that can cause an unpleasant odour. On top of that, alcohol dries out your mouth, and without enough saliva to wash away food particles and bacteria, your breath can take a turn for the worse.
By opting for Dry January, you’ll likely find that your breath is fresher and more pleasant.
Is Drinking Bad for Your Smile?
Excessive consumption of alcohol can be harmful to your oral health in a number of ways. During festive seasons like Christmas and New Year’s, when drinking tends to be more frequent, the negative effects on your smile can accumulate quickly. While occasional drinking is not inherently bad for your teeth, moderation is key.
Reducing the Effects of Alcohol on Your Teeth
If you’re planning to enjoy a drink or two this winter (or beyond!), you can minimise the impact on your smile by:
Drinking water between alcoholic drinks. One of the best ways to reduce the harmful effects of alcohol on your teeth is to stay hydrated. Drinking water between alcoholic drinks helps wash away sugar and acid that can harm your teeth. It also helps to prevent dry mouth, which is a common issue when drinking alcohol.
Confine alcohol to meal times. Drinking alcohol during meals can be better for your teeth than drinking it on an empty stomach or as a snack between meals. Food helps buffer the acids produced by alcohol and reduces the overall impact on your enamel. It also helps promote saliva production, which naturally protects your teeth.
Use mouthwash. After consuming alcohol, rinse your mouth with a fluoride mouthwash. This can help remove residual alcohol and sugars from your teeth, freshen your breath and protect your enamel. Make sure to wait at least 30 minutes after drinking alcohol before using mouthwash to avoid washing away the protective layer of saliva that has formed on your teeth.
Dry January and Safety
While Dry January can be a great opportunity for some people to take a break from alcohol, it’s important to remember that stopping alcohol suddenly can be dangerous for those who are dependent on it. In 2022, 16% of adults (aged 16+) reported binge drinking in the previous week, and the rate was higher among men (19%) compared to women (15%).
If you experience withdrawal symptoms like seizures, tremors, sweating, hallucinations, depression, anxiety or insomnia after stopping drinking, you may be dependent on alcohol and should seek professional help immediately.
If you believe you may be dependent on alcohol, consult with your doctor who can provide the necessary support to help you quit safely.
A Healthier Smile in 2025
Dry January is a fantastic opportunity to not just give your body a break from alcohol but to give your smile a fresh start as well. Of course, drinking in moderation during festive occasions can still be a part of a balanced lifestyle, but it’s important to be mindful of its effects on your teeth.
So, why not take the challenge and see how your smile can benefit from a month without alcohol?
Please call our experienced team on 01509 621212 for advice on how to protect your smile this New Year.