Cheers to oral health: The positive impact of giving up alcohol

In a world where social occasions often involve clinking glasses or having a pint or two, the decision to give up alcohol may seem like a daunting one. 

While many people are aware of the general health benefits of quitting alcohol, one aspect that is often overlooked is its positive impact on oral health. 

Let's delve into how bidding farewell to alcohol can lead to a healthier and happier smile. 

Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to a dry mouth, reducing saliva production. Saliva is crucial for maintaining oral health as it helps neutralise the pH in the mouth, promoting the remineralisation of tooth enamel.  

When alcohol dries out the mouth, it creates an environment where harmful bacteria can thrive, increasing the risk of gum disease. Giving up alcohol can lead to better saliva flow, ultimately improving gum health and reducing the likelihood of periodontal issues. 

Alcohol consumption, especially in combination with tobacco use, is a significant risk factor for mouth cancer. In fact, excessive alcohol consumption is linked to around one in every three cases. 

If you were to give up drinking you can significantly reduce the risk of developing cancers in the mouth, throat, and oesophagus.  

Alcoholic drinks often contain sugars and acids that can contribute to tooth decay. Additionally, the dehydrating effects of alcohol can lead to a decrease in saliva flow, impairing the mouth’s ability to naturally cleanse and protect teeth.  

Some alcoholic drinks are more sugary than others and if you’re partial to spirits, the sugar in mixers can be especially high. In all cases, look out for sugar-free or low-sugar options. 

Sugar in wine can also vary wildly. Dry red wines or dry white wines have around 2 grams of sugar per standard glass. Off-dry wines (which means slightly sweet) have around 3-5 grams, and sweeter wines like Sauternes have 10 grams. Then, there are late harvest wines which can contain a whopping 20 grams of sugar per glass.1 

Guidelines recommend that adults should not have more than 30 grams of added sugars every day. If you drink a few glasses of alcohol, you can quickly reach that limit. So, it's important to be careful and keep to moderation. 

Say goodbye to stains 

Many alcoholic beverages, such as red wine and certain cocktails, are notorious for staining teeth. These stains can be unsightly and challenging to remove with regular brushing alone. 

By giving up alcohol, you not only eliminate the source of these stains but also make it easier to maintain a brighter and whiter smile. 

Alcohol can contribute to bad breath or halitosis in several ways. It can lead to a dry mouth, fostering the growth of odour-causing bacteria. Moreover, the compounds in alcoholic beverages can leave a lingering smell. 

Quitting alcohol can help combat these issues, leading to fresher breath and improved overall oral hygiene. 

In conclusion 

Deciding to give up alcohol is a commendable step towards overall health and wellbeing. The positive effects on oral health, from improved gum health to a reduced risk of oral cancer, underscore the importance of this choice. As individuals embark on their alcohol-free journey, they not only enhance their smiles but also set the stage for a lifetime of improved oral hygiene and overall health. So, here's to a sparkling smile and a healthier you! 

1 https://usualwines.com/blogs/knowledge-base/sugar-in-wine#:~:text=On%20average%20dry%20red%20wines,grams%20of%20sugar%20per%20glass.