Is Alcohol Bad for Your Teeth?

We’re here to help you understand the impact of alcohol on your oral health, and if it’s bad for your teeth. While enjoying a drink can be part of a healthy lifestyle, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks to your teeth and gums. In this article, we’ll delve into how alcohol can affect your oral health and what steps you can take to protect your pearly whites. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive in!

As long as you drink responsibly, alcohol can be part of a healthy diet. However, even moderate alcohol consumption can increase your risk of oral health problems, especially if you also smoke and don’t take good care of your teeth.

As long as you drink responsibly, alcohol can be part of a healthy diet. However, even moderate alcohol consumption can increase your risk of oral health problems, especially if you also smoke and don’t take good care of your teeth.

Here are some ways alcohol can negatively impact on your oral health.

Raising the risks

Excessive alcohol consumption is a risk factor for a number of dental diseases, which are often linked to problems in other parts of the body.

Does Beer Stain Teeth? People with alcohol use disorder are more likely to have plaque on their teeth and a corresponding higher risk for tooth decay and gum disease. This could be due to the acidity of many alcoholic drinks, such as wines, cider and mixers, as well as poor oral hygiene.

Is Beer Bad for Teeth? After tobacco use, alcohol abuse is also the second major risk factor for oral cancer, believed to be responsible for around 31% of mouth cancers. Your dentist can perform an oral cancer screening during your regular dental check-up if they think you might be at risk.

Alcohol can also affect reaction times and judgement. This could mean you’re more likely to injure or knock out a tooth after drinking if you slip, trip or fall or have other accidents.

Alcohol and Gum Disease: Heavy alcohol consumption can also increase the risk of developing gum disease. Alcohol can cause inflammation in the gums which can lead to the destruction of gum tissue and bone that support teeth. This can lead to tooth loss and other oral health problems.

Dry mouth

Does your mouth often feel dry and dehydrated after drinking alcohol? That’s because alcohol reduces the amount of saliva your mouth produces, especially if you consume strong drinks such as spirits.

Saliva is a natural cleansing agent for your mouth, which helps to rinse away bacteria from the tooth’s surface. If saliva production is restricted, this can increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Regular heavy drinking can increase your risk of developing dry mouth syndrome (xerostomia).

Teeth staining

As well as the oral health risks, many alcoholic drinks can also contribute to teeth staining and discolouration.

Strongly-coloured drinks such as red wines and dark beers can leave chromogens (pigments) on teeth surfaces, which can’t normally be removed simply by brushing and may require a treatment such as teeth whitening.

Acidic drinks such as white wine and beers, and sugary drinks such as soft drink and fruit juice mixers, can also weaken teeth, making them easier to stain.

How to stay safe

You don’t have to give up alcohol completely to look after your teeth, but you should take steps to protect them, such as:

  • drinking plenty of water to keep your mouth hydrated and prevent stains
  • chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate your saliva glands
  • brushing your teeth before going to sleep, at least 30 minutes after your last alcoholic drink
  • not missing your regular dental check-ups so your dentist can alert you to any possible problems and treat these before they become more serious.

Talk to our dentists in Balmain

If it’s time for your check-up and clean or you need any advice about your teeth and gums, get in touch with our friendly team at Dentistry By Design. Call us on 02 9810 5507 or contact us to book an appointment today.

Your Balmain Dentist

Book a consultation with our internationally-recognised professionals at Dentistry by Design to discuss your options today. Call us on 02 9810 5507 to book an appointment.
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Rebecca Silveira

Rebecca Silveira

Practice Manager

Rebecca has over 25 year’s experience in the dental industry. 

Rebecca started her career as a dental assistant/front office coordinator. Through the years, she progressed into treatment coordinating and then practice management. 

She has an eye for detail and is a perfectionist. Her management & people skills allow her to provide support to the Dentistry By Design team day in, day out. 

Rebecca is passionate about dentistry and loves being privileged enough to be part of an amazing team that changes people’s lives!

Marianna Doumanis

Oral Health Therapist

Marianna completed a Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH) at the University of Sydney in 2013. With a dual qualification in Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy she gained invaluable experience working in both public and private practice.

In July 2022, Marianna completed a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) at Semmelweis University, Budapest Hungary.

Marianna’s aim is to foster a safe and reassuring environment by ensuring that all dental services provided are individually tailored to each patient.

She is a member of the Australian Dental and Oral Health Therapist Association, the Australian Dental Association, and a European state Dental Association.

In her spare time, Marianna is an avid rower, having won both state and national titles.

Marianna is currently working as an Oral Health Therapist whilst undertaking the Australian Dental Council Registration.

Kate Hemmings

Kate Beaumont

Oral Health Therapist

Kate completed her Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH) at the University Of Sydney in 2014.  As an Oral Health Therapist, dual-qualified to practice as a Dental Hygienist and Dental Therapist, she has a strong interest in preventative dental care and believes that oral health is an integral part of overall health.

Kate enjoys working with children and adults alike, educating, motivating and assisting in maintaining teeth for life. Her interest in continuing professional education helps her remain consistent with modern dental practices and progressive treatment plans.

Kate enjoys working in a thriving team and works effectively along-side other highly qualified professionals. She has an interest in the growing industry of cosmetic procedures and excels in performing these treatments. Her approachable and reassuring nature creates a positive dental experience for all patients.

In her spare time, Kate enjoys spending time with her family and friends, discovering new restaurants and travelling. She appreciates the simple pleasures of a coffee and a walk but also loves an extravagant day at the races with all her friends.

Nadia Azzi

Nadia Azzi

Oral Health Therapist

Nadia completed her Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH) at the University Of Sydney in 2012. With a passion for preventative dentistry and treating children Nadia has a keen focus on providing pain free, thorough treatment for all patients. 

An experienced Oral Health Therapist who values patient care and is committed to ensuring patients receive the best care possible, Nadia is committed to staying up to date with the latest dental practices and treatments available. 

As part of the dental team, Nadia believes that the Oral Health Therapist’s role is of utmost importance in maintaining the oral health of patients of all ages. She has a passion for counselling patients with previous dental trauma and helping them through regular dental treatment as well as setting good foundations in oral health for younger patients and providing them with happy, fun dental experiences. 

Nadia has also served as director and dental mission coordinator for Maronites on Mission, a non-profit which helps the homeless in Australia and runs annual dental and medical mission trips to the Philippines and Lebanon. She enjoys charitable work immensely and is always looking for new ways to use her skills to help those in need. 

Outside of dentistry, Nadia enjoys spending time with and caring for her family, cooking and travelling.

Dr Rebecca Ellis

Dr Rebecca Ellis

Specialist Periodontist
BDS(Distn), DCD(Perio)

Rebecca undertook her dental training at Otago University in New Zealand graduating top of her class with her BDS(Distinction) in 2011. 

Dr Teck Tang

Dr Teck Tang

Specialist Periodontist
BDSc Hons (WA) DClinDent (Perio) (Adel) FRACDS (perio) 

Dr Teck Tang graduated with his Bachelor of Dental Science with Honours at the University of Western Australia. He then completed his specialist training in Periodontics.

Dr Iain Gavan

Dr Iain Gavan

Dentist
BChD (Leeds, UK), MFDS, PGDipDigitalOrtho(UK) 

Dr Iain Gavan has been practicing dentistry for over 10 years and provides the most up to date modern dental care in a calm and empathic manner. He enjoys building long term relationships with his patients.

Iain is dedicated to continuing professional development in a rapidly changing field. In 2020 he completed a diploma in digital orthodontics, increasing his expertise straightening teeth with clear aligners (such as Invisalign).  He also spent time at the world-renowned Kois Institute in Seattle (USA) in 2018, which teaches the most up to date and highly regarded evidence based dentistry. He completed the Master Implant Program in 2022 at the renowned Brener Institiute in Sydney, which is a leading training centre in implant placement and tooth replacement.

Originally from Lancashire in North West England, Iain qualified from Leeds University in the UK. He has spent time working in a Maxillofacial department in Manchester (UK), gaining experience in oral surgery, facial injury reconstruction, head and neck cancer and dental emergencies.

Iain moved to Australia in 2014 and became an Australian Citizen in 2018. He has worked at distinguished private practices in Forster (NSW), Melbourne and Ballarat. Iain has worked at a state of the art clinic, that specialises in using advanced technology to digitally design smiles and replace teeth using the Allon4 implant system, gaining valuable experience in complex full mouth rehabilitations and the development of new smiles.

He is a member of the Australian Dental Association, The Faculty of Dental Surgery (UK) and was a member of Royal College of Surgeons Glasgow. He also carried out dental charity work in Southern India, providing dental care to remote communities.

In 2021 he welcomed his first daughter and is enjoying parenthood. In his spare time Iain enjoys spending time with his photography, travelling, walking his dog Murphy and exploring Sydney.

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Dr Jemima Kalos

Dr Jemima Kalos

Dentist
Bachelor of Liberal Studies (Honours I), Bachelor of Dentistry (Honours I), Graduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry (Oral Implants) 

Dr Jemima Kalos is committed to excellence in Dentistry and the provision of outstanding dental care to her patients. Dr Kalos graduated with a Bachelor of Dentistry with First Class Honours after completing a Bachelor of Liberal Studies (Honours I) at the University of Sydney.

Dr. Kalos has also completed extensive continuing education in Dentistry in Australia and the USA including obtaining the highest mark and a distinction in the selective Post graduate Diploma in Oral Implants through the University of Sydney. She has also successfully completed her Primary examinations for Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons.

Dr Kalos has been presented with numerous awards for clinical and academic excellence in Dentistry including the prestigious Rudolf Gunz University Medal, The Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons Prize, The Martin Halas Prize and The John Stephen Hill Memorial Prize. Her special interests include restorative and cosmetic dentistry, prosthodontics and implants and provision of dental treatment to anxious patients.

She is past Treasurer of the Australian Prosthodontic Society (NSW) and also a member of the respected American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Outside of dentistry, Jemima has enjoys cooking, staying fit and spending time with her husband and three small children.

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