Don’t Let Drinks Damage Your Teeth This New Year’s Eve

The end of 2023 is swiftly approaching, and if you’re like many others, you’re looking forward to ringing in the new year on December 31^st. Choosing the right outfit and planning who to kiss at midnight give you something to look forward to once the holidays have passed. It’s natural to want to kick back and let loose with a few drinks to say goodbye to the past 12 months while embracing hope for what’s yet to come. That said, you’ll want to be sure to protect your teeth while you do, to

Tip #1: Visit Your Dentist

Alcohol is acidic and contains sugar, meaning it does double the damage to your teeth. It simultaneously erodes your protective enamel while attracting cavity-inducing bacteria. You can reduce the risk by keeping them in tip-top shape. If they’re in good condition, they’re less likely to be injured by what you eat and drink.

If you still have benefits left on your dental insurance plan, there’s no better time than now to use them! A checkup with your dentist allows them to address any potential areas of concern before they progress into real problems. Many policies cover these appointments so there might not be any charge, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’ve set yourself up for success.

Tip #2: Brush Your Teeth Beforehand

Cola is often used as a mixer and red wine is popular during these colder months. Unfortunately, both contain tannins that stain your teeth. It’s natural to want to brush them right away if you notice they’re looking darker than usual, but the acid has weakened your enamel, and you might scrub it away. To avoid this, brush 30 minutes before your first drink, instead. Without any plaque buildup, there’s nothing for toxic ingredients to stick to.

Tip #3: Drink Equal Amounts of Water

Though liquor is particularly dangerous to your grin, you can mitigate its impact by drinking water after you’ve finished your beverage. It has a neutral pH value to balance out the acidity and rinses away unwanted germs. Furthermore, because booze is a diuretic, it can leave your mouth parched which is attractive to harmful microbes. Drinking water will help keep your body refreshed and rinse away any unwanted particles.

Now that you know how to indulge in a few drinks without hurting your teeth, you’ll start the new year with a happy, healthy smile!

About the Author

Dr. J. Peter St. Clair has nearly 30 years of experience enhancing patients’ lives by improving their oral health. He is a graduate of St. Anselm College in Manchester, NH, and from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. Since then, he has continued to build his skills with ongoing education to keep up to date with new developments. That means you’re sure to receive the most current treatments using state-of-the-art technology for lasting results. If you’d like to schedule a checkup, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (978) 948-2030.