Smil, Unit 69-70, Dockside Outlet Shopping Centre, Maritime Way, St Mary's Island, Chatham, ME4 3ED
Smil, Unit 69-70, Dockside Outlet Shopping Centre, Maritime Way, St Mary's Island, Chatham, ME4 3ED
At Smil, we know it’s not unusual to overindulge between Christmas and New Year. But have you ever considered how your festive drinking habits might impact your oral health?
This January, a break from alcohol could do wonders – for your teeth and gums, as well as your body and mind.
Let’s take a look at the benefits of Dry January and how it could be the ideal way to start the new year feeling your best.
While most people are aware of the risks alcohol poses to organs like the liver, it’s less common to think about how drinking affects the mouth. According to Cancer UK, people who smoke and also drink alcohol are at a higher risk of mouth and upper throat cancers.
Alcohol also tends to be acidic and high in sugar, which can harm the protective enamel on your teeth. Weakened enamel leaves your smile more vulnerable to cavities and sensitivity.
Many of us may not realise that alcohol can dry out the mouth by reducing saliva production, making it easier for plaque and bacteria to accumulate. This dry environment in your mouth can lead to bad breath and even tooth decay over time. So, by cutting out alcohol in January, you’ll be giving your mouth a chance to recover and lower your risk of these issues.
Dry January offers a wonderful opportunity to pause your drinking habits, even if temporarily, and it can bring a surprising range of health benefits. We’ve put together just some of the reasons you should consider going alcohol-free for the month:
Alcohol can be tough on your gums. Drinking can lead to a dry mouth, which reduces the production of saliva, one of your body’s natural defences against harmful bacteria. With less saliva, bacteria has a chance to flourish, leading to plaque buildup and a greater risk of gum disease. When you remove alcohol from the equation, your mouth stays more hydrated, and your saliva levels can stabilise, helping protect your gums and keeping them healthier.
Many alcoholic drinks, like red wine, can stain teeth over time, leaving a yellowish or dull appearance. Alcohol is also acidic, which can soften your enamel and make it more prone to discolouration from other foods and drinks. By giving up alcohol for a month, you’re giving your teeth a break from these staining agents, helping them look brighter and closer to their natural colour. You might even notice a subtle improvement in whiteness by the end of the month!
Alcohol can contribute to lingering bad breath. Because it dries out the mouth, it creates an environment where odour-causing bacteria thrive. Without alcohol drying your mouth, it stays better hydrated and fewer of those bacteria can build up. As a result, your breath is fresher, making you feel more confident and leaving a more pleasant impression on others.
Sensitive teeth make eating or drinking uncomfortable. Alcohol can exacerbate this problem by wearing down enamel and exposing more sensitive areas of the teeth. By avoiding alcohol, you’re reducing one of the main factors contributing to sensitivity, so you may find you’re able to enjoy hot and cold foods more comfortably.
Let’s face it – after a few drinks, many of us tend to skip our nightly brushing and flossing routine. This lapse can lead to plaque buildup and even tooth decay over time. By abstaining from alcohol in January, you’re also cutting out the nights when you might be too tired or forgetful to brush and floss, making it easier to stay consistent with your oral hygiene. Commitment to brushing and flossing can make a noticeable difference to your oral health by the end of the month, setting you up for a healthier year ahead.
If you’re not ready to say goodbye to a glass of wine during the festive season, there are ways to reduce alcohol’s impact on your smile.
Alternating each alcoholic drink with a glass of water can help rinse away sugars and acids, reducing the effects on your teeth. Water also keeps your mouth hydrated, so you can avoid that drying sensation that alcohol often leaves behind.
If you enjoy a drink, consider having it alongside your meal rather than sipping it on its own. The food can help reduce the acidity from alcohol and limit how much it comes into contact with your teeth. Plus, chewing stimulates saliva production, which helps naturally protect your teeth.
Using an alcohol-free mouthwash after meals or social gatherings helps freshen breath and remove particles from your mouth without the harsh drying effect. Look for a mouthwash that’s gentle but effective, as it can help clear away food and drink residue and leave your mouth feeling fresh.
Suddenly stopping alcohol can be dangerous for those who have developed a dependence. If you experience any severe symptoms like seizures, hallucinations, depression or anxiety, you should seek immediate medical advice. Your doctor can offer the support needed to help you stop drinking safely.
January is a fresh start, and what better way to ring in the new year than by investing in your health?
At Smil, we’re committed to helping you look and feel your best. That includes providing you with the knowledge and support you need to protect your smile. If you have questions about how alcohol affects your oral health or want to book a check-up to kick off the year, our team is here to help. Call our experienced team on 01634 756536 today.
Back to Blog
Smil, Unit 69-70, Dockside Outlet Shopping Centre, Maritime Way, St Mary's Island, Chatham, ME4 3ED
