Today, it’s common to find alcohol consumption present at social gatherings, making the decision to quit alcohol difficult to follow through with. However, beyond the well-known benefits of abstaining from alcohol, there are also advantages to improving one’s oral health. Fort York Dentist, a Dental Clinic in Downtown Toronto, is here to explore and shed light on the lesser-known advantages that going alcohol-free can have on one’s smile. Join us as we review the benefits of a healthier, alcohol-free lifestyle.

Improved Gum Health

Excessive alcohol consumption can result in a dry mouth, reducing saliva production. Reducing saliva production is a concern as saliva is needed to neutralize the pH level in the mouth as well as aid in the process of remineralization of tooth enamel. A mouth that is dried out from alcohol creates the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive often resulting in gum disease. Ultimately, giving up alcohol can reduce the risk of periodontal issues and improve gum health. 

Mouth Cancer Risk Reduced

Alcohol consumption, particularly when combined with tobacco use, significantly elevates the risk of mouth cancer. However, extreme alcohol consumption on its own is still linked to the cause of every one in three cancers. In order to steer clear of cancers such as the throat, mouth, or oesophagus, it’s best to give up drinking alcohol completely.

Avoid Alcohol Related Teeth Stains

Did you know that certain alcohols are notorious for leaving stains on your pearly white teeth? Certain cocktails and red wine are known to cause tooth discoloration. While some teeth can simply turn yellow from demineralization caused by alcohol, drinks containing dark pigmentation such as red wine can cause an overall dark stain of the teeth. Quitting alcohol eliminates the source of these stains, making it easier to maintain a brighter and whiter smile.

Tooth Decay Prevention

In many alcoholic beverages, there is often a high containment of sugars and acids that contribute to tooth decay. While sugar-free or low-sugar options exist, it’s better to give up alcohol completely. While dry red wines or dry white wines may only have 2 grams of sugar per glass, other wines like late-harvest wines can contain 20 grams of sugar per glass. Therefore, if you are going to continue to drink, it’s important to be careful with the alcohol you choose to purchase and keep it in moderation.

Avoid Bad Breath

Did you know that alcohol can contribute to bad breath or halitosis? When alcohol begins to dry out one’s mouth, it can foster odour-causing bacteria growth. In addition to this, excessive alcohol drinking can lead to a lingering smell of alcohol in the breath. To help fight these issues of bath breath, going alcohol-free is the best option to improve oral hygiene and prevent bad breath.

Contact Our Downtown Toronto Dental Clinic

Choosing to give up alcohol is a step in the right direction to achieving optimal health and well-being. Whether you are looking to book a general check-up or schedule a consultation to discuss our Cosmetic Dentistry in Downtown Toronto services, contact our clinic today at (647) 346-8888.