St. Patrick’s Day is here, and everyone will be “wearing the green.” This holiday is a fun opportunity to be with friends and celebrate, which usually involves alcoholic beverages. The Troy family dentist would like to share a few helpful oral health and hygiene tips to keep in mind for the holiday or for any future gathering that involves alcohol!
Consume Alcohol in Moderation
Millions of people will celebrate the day with a few beers or drinks. But now’s a good time to take note of what alcohol can do to your oral health. If you drink heavily, remember that too much of a good thing can contribute to tooth decay and periodontal disease. Enjoy yourself, but not to excess!
Drink Lots of Water
When you order that beer or glass of wine, ask for a glass of water. Alcohol is notoriously dehydrating, and drinking water can counter the effect. Dry mouth is uncomfortable, but it also affects your oral health in negative ways. Water isn’t just good for your oral health – consuming it throughout the evening will also help you feel better the next morning!
Don’t Forget Oral Hygiene
No matter how late you get home, be sure to brush and floss as usual. The acid in beer, ale, and other alcoholic beverages can be severely damaging to tooth enamel. Just a few minutes of preventative maintenance to save your smile, and then you can climb into bed. Your teeth will thank you!
By all means, go out and enjoy the day. We don’t want to ruin your fun, we just want you to be aware of how alcohol can affect your oral health, not just on St. Patty’s Day, but anytime.
And to ensure your long-term oral health, please call the Troy family dentist to arrange your next dental cleaning and exam!