According to a new survey, only sixteen percent of the general public think about the effect that alcohol is having on their dental health. Dentists have revealed that just a single glass of wine a day can dry out the mouth, cause bad breath, and increase the risk of tooth decay.
Most types of wine are extremely acidic and this can lead to a softening of the enamel, eventually causing it to wear away; enamel erosion cannot be repaired naturally and this will cause sensitivity and pain within the teeth. Carbonated wine and other fizzy alcoholic beverages are especially damaging and Dr Henry Clover, a dentist with dental insurance firm Denplan, said that adding ice to your drink will dilute the effects of the acid within the liquid, he added that you are better off choosing a non-carbonated beverage as this reduces the acid content. As well as acid, many alcoholic drinks are packed with sugar and this can cause tooth decay.
Because alcohol is a diuretic it will dehydrate the body and this reduces saliva flow into the mouth, leading to bad breath. Dr Clover recommends alternating alcoholic drinks with water to keep the body and mouth hydrated, and chewing sugar-free gum could help to stimulate saliva production, keeping the mouth moist.