St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner and if you’re feeling lucky, you might choose to honor the occasion by enjoying a few beers dyed green or strong Irish stouts. Did you know, though, that studies show an increase in dental appointments the day afterward? Your dentist could see a 64%-100% increase in visitations due to dental emergencies from over-indulging in alcohol. Keep reading to learn more about the dangers posed by this special day, and how you celebrate while protecting your smile!
Dental Discoloration
On this beloved holiday, green is the color of choice. If you’re out and about for a night on the town, you’re likely to be offered beer that’s been dyed for a festive flair. Although it may be tasty, the food coloring can stain any plaque that has formed on your pearly whites. You might be startled to wake up the next morning with a green grin! Typically, this effect isn’t permanent, though it’s possible if you consumed enough damaging ingredients that your teeth might be a duller hue.
You can avoid this by keeping your mouth clean so there’s less for the dye to cling to. It’s important to brush and floss twice daily to remove bacterial growth that causes dental issues like discoloration, gum disease, and tooth decay. It can also help to brush your teeth 30 minutes before you take your first sip so that your teeth are sparkling fresh and more resistant to food coloring.
Acidic Alcohol
Another potential problem of consuming copious amounts of alcoholic beverages is the potential for acid damage. These drinks have a lower pH value than your saliva and can erode your protective enamel. They also contain plenty of sugar, which attracts bacteria known to cause cavities. If you’re sipping stouts all evening long, especially if you don’t take a break, then there’s plenty of opportunity for problems to develop.
Furthermore, if you have a busy night of festivities and collapse into bed at night without brushing your teeth, your pearly whites could suffer while you sleep. A good rule of thumb is to drink a glass of water between each beer consumed. Then, be sure to brush your teeth thoroughly for a full two minutes before you lie down.
Dry Mouth Dilemma
One final issue to watch out for when you’re enjoying a night of adult-themed beverages is dry mouth. Alcohol is a diuretic which means it removes fluids from your body. As a result, you’ll produce less saliva which is your body’s natural defense against acid damage. Spit has a nearly neutral pH to negate the impact of too many drinks. It also rinses away unwanted food particles, sugars, and germs.
Drinking plenty of H2O is the best way to moisten your mouth and hydrate your system. This can prevent dry mouth as well as an awful hangover the next day. As a bonus, it even keeps bad breath at bay.
Now that you know what to watch out for this St. Patrick’s Day, you can safely imbibe without harming your smile!
About the Author
Dr. Javier Perez has over two decades of experience transforming his patients’ lives by improving their oral health. He earned his dental degree at the University of Medicine at Cuba where he practiced for several years before arriving in the U.S. From there he graduated from dental school at UCLA. He takes his time to understand your dental needs and concerns, as well as thoroughly explains potential treatment options so you play an active role in your dental decisions. If you’ve developed a cavity or would like to whiten your teeth after St. Patrick’s Day, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (903) 534-8110.