The spirits are getting ready to come out and play this Halloween, and this includes your favorite Halloween cocktail. If you’re looking forward to enjoying an alcoholic beverage at your friend’s big party, you may want to think twice before taking a sip. With so many spooky colors and festive garnishes, your teeth may scream for help. Keep reading to learn why you should skip the alcohol and stick with water as you dance the night away.
What Can Alcohol Do To Your Smile?
Candy isn’t the only thing you should be worried about this Halloween. Festive drinks and spirits can damage your teeth and gums just as much if you’re not careful. Here are some frightful problems that can occur when you decide to indulge in a spooky sweet beverage:
Tooth Decay
Many alcoholic beverages contain sugar. This means harmful bacteria can grow in your mouth, making it easier for plaque and tartar to form, especially if you leave it in too long. Before you know it, you’re dealing with tooth decay, weakened enamel, and cavities.
Instead of coating your teeth with more sugar, drink plenty of water to wash away any remnants left by food and candy. If you enjoy a glass of wine, rinse your mouth immediately afterward to prevent lingering acids and sugars from harming your teeth.
Gum Disease
Excessive alcohol consumption is tied to gum disease and oral cancer. If you want to lower your risk of bacterial accumulation that infects your soft oral tissues and puts your jawbone and teeth in jeopardy, pass on the alcohol this Halloween.
You may not notice an immediate problem from one glass of wine or spooky cocktail, but if you drink regularly, your risk of periodontitis increases, which can lead to tooth loss. Instead of letting your gums bleed and become scarily swollen this Halloween, opt for water.
Dry Mouth
Alcohol is known to cause dry mouth. When this happens, bacteria grow and thrive, making it easier for tooth decay and gum disease to develop. Keep your mouth moist and your saliva glands working so that you worry less about these common oral health problems.
Tooth Stains
Your smile won’t look its best this holiday season if alcohol stains your teeth. Dark-colored beverages leave tannins behind that attach to enamel and cause permanent discoloration. But it’s not just red wine; all alcoholic beverages can damage enamel. If you want to keep your smile brighter and whiter, even at Halloween, don’t try the creepy cocktail that’s calling your name.
Don’t let your smile be the scariest thing left behind at Halloween. Whether you’re at a party or watching movies at home, make smart drink choices so your pearly whites don’t keep scaring people after October 31st.
About the Practice
Juno Beach Smiles is led by Dr. Greg Riley and Dr. Duane Keuning. Their emphasis on preventive care helps patients stay on top of their oral health year-round, even when the holidays arrive. When candy and sweets become more readily available, our team is here to help protect your smile. If you have questions about how to shield your teeth and gums this Halloween, visit our website or call (561) 622-7243 to schedule an appointment.