How Does Alcohol Affect Your Oral Health?

Does alcohol cause tooth decay?

Many alcoholic drinks, such as cocktails, contain sugar that can coat your teeth’s surface and lead to tooth decay over time. Other alcoholic drinks, like beer and wine, contain acid that can also produce an overgrowth of bacteria, which can cause tooth decay.⁴ Acid from alcohol can also weaken your teeth and make them more prone to damage.

Can alcohol cause gum disease?

Alcohol creates bad bacteria in your mouth. The more alcoholic drinks you consume, the more likely it is that bad bacteria will accumulate. The bad bacteria can lead to gum disease and other oral health issues.

Drinking an excessive amount of alcohol can also weaken your immune system and impair your body’s ability to fight off infections, including gum infections and gum disease.⁵ You can learn other ways to prevent gum disease in addition to watching your alcohol intake.

Can alcohol cause dry mouth?

Alcohol can cause a significant decrease in saliva. With little to no saliva in your mouth, this can lead to temporary or constant dry mouth. Without enough saliva, bacteria clings to your enamel rather than being washed away naturally. Because of this, your mouth has a greater risk of damage from decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues.

How can you maintain your oral health if you drink alcohol?

If you're going to drink alcohol, here are some tips to help keep your mouth healthy:

Drink responsibly and in moderation.

Balancing your alcohol consumption with a healthy lifestyle is important. If you think you have a problem with alcohol addiction, learn more about signs of alcohol and substance use and talk with your doctor or dentist to get help.

Drink plenty of water.

Drinking water before, during, and after ingesting alcohol is vital to stay hydrated and reduce the impact of sugars and acids on your teeth. Water helps wash away anything that may cause tooth decay and prevent dry mouth.

Brush and floss your teeth daily.

If you consume alcohol, even in moderation, brushing and flossing your teeth will help prevent tartar and plaque build-up. Drinking colored alcohol, such as red wine and dark beer, can stain your teeth, so brushing and flossing regularly can help keep your teeth white and healthy. Make sure you know how to brush your teeth properly to keep them healthy and strong.

Visit your dentist regularly.

Make regular visits to the dentist to help reduce tartar build-up and risk of tooth decay. While you’re there, be honest with your dentist about your alcohol consumption. Dentists may be able to identify early stages of alcohol addiction in patients by the state of their gums and teeth.