Many of us enjoy a drink, especially at the weekends. You’re probably aware that drinking excessively can damage your liver, but have you ever wondered if alcohol is bad for your teeth?

Is drinking bad for your teeth?

Drinking alcohol can pose problems for your teeth because many drinks are acidic and they also contain a lot of sugar. If you think about the kinds of drinks you usually choose at the pub on a Friday night, you may be surprised to find out how many calories and how much sugar they contain. Cocktails, for example, can contain the same amount of sugar as a bag of sweets. Wine is also very acidic and it can stain your teeth, while mixers, such as cola and lemonade that are used to accompany spirits may be sugary and acidic. Acids wear away the protective enamel coating, leaving your teeth at risk of decay and erosion.

If you drink excessively, you may also be putting your health at risk, as alcohol is a known risk-factor for mouth cancer. Drinking is particularly dangerous when combined with smoking. If you smoke and drink, you’re more than 30 times more likely to develop oral cancer than a non-smoker who doesn’t drink on a regular basis.

Drinking alcohol is also linked to snoring, as alcohol causes the muscles in the throat to relax.

If you are worried about the effects of alcohol on your dental health, we are here to help! Call us today or have a chat with your dentist at your next check-up.