Many people enjoy relaxing with a beer after a hard day’s work or when hanging out with friends, but this beverage is associated with a host of health issues that must be considered. In particular, drinking too much beer without practicing proper oral hygiene habits can lead to tooth decay, oral infections, and gum recession. Here’s a quick look at the oral health dangers of drinking beer and how to enjoy your brew with minimal risk to your teeth and gums.
How Can Beer Harm My Oral Health?
Exposing your teeth to too much beer without cleaning them properly afterward can set you up for a host of nasty oral health problems. While most people probably don’t think of beer as sweet, it is rich with simple carbohydrates that can accumulate in the mouth and feed harmful oral bacteria. To make matters worse, alcohol is acidic, which means it can erode the structure of your dental enamel on contact. The effects of alcohol can also make it harder for your body to stay hydrated and fight infection and inflammation, which can put your gums at risk. Because of accumulation of carbohydrate-rich residues without proper saliva flow, excessive beer consumption is also associated with bad breath.
In some cases, people also fall after drinking too much, which can lead to large chips or cracks in their teeth that can compromise their oral health.
How Can I Protect My Smile if I Enjoy Drinking Beer?
Luckily, you can help your teeth and gums stay healthy while you enjoy beer by implementing habits like:
- Drinking a tall glass of water with your brew so you can wash its residue away from your teeth while staying hydrated enough for proper saliva flow.
- Enjoying your beverage alongside firm or fibrous snacks that are low in sugar like raw fruits and veggies, tasty hard cheeses, and crusty whole-grain bread.
- Avoiding consuming too much beer or other alcoholic beverages.
- Thoroughly brushing and flossing before going to bed so you can carefully clean away any lingering residues. It’s also important to brush and floss every day in any case.
- Visiting your dentist every six months for routine exams and cleanings.
Don’t let your drinking habits set you up for tooth decay, gum disease, or a full-blown oral health catastrophe. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand how to keep your smile in great shape.
About the Author
Dr. Louis Olberding earned his DDS at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry in 1999 and furthers his education with postgraduate coursework from Spear Education and the Dawson Academy. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. His office in Lincoln offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To schedule your next dental checkup, contact his practice on the web or dial (402) 488-2325.