People enjoying a drink to celebrate the festive season this year may wish to do so in moderation after a warning that indulging in too much could lead to a need for emergency dentistry.
Writing for the Windsor Star, Dr David Mady explained that alcohol could cause tooth decay, gum disease and missing teeth.
It is full of sugar and when these combine with the natural bacteria in the mouth, they form an acid that can attack tooth enamel.
Furthermore, drinking too much dries out the mouth, leading to a lack of the usual protection we receive from saliva.
"If you are going to drink, brush and floss as soon after as possible," Dr Mady advised. He also suggested waiting a few hours between drinks to give the mouth time to neutralise.
The British Dental Health Foundation recommends drinking water and milk as often as possible to protect the teeth.
