Don’t Let Holiday “Spirits” Ruin Your Oral Health

Protecting Your Teeth from Holiday Cocktails

Oral cancer is a very serious mouth condition and one of the leading causes of oral cancer is alcohol consumption. The holidays are a time to “drink and be merry” with family and friends – while enjoying time with loved ones is important, it is also important to keep your oral health in mind while enjoying a glass of wine or festive cocktail. Every year it is estimated that there will be tens of thousands of new cases or oral cancer diagnosed in the United States – here is how to keep your teeth safe this holiday.

Some of the drinks that cause individuals the most oral issues are those containing a lot of sugar, such as piña colada, Long Island iced tea, and those cocktails that are made with energy drinks. The large amount of sugar in these drinks causes tooth decay. Other popular drinks, like red wine, have the ability to stain teeth and cause discoloration. While indulging in an adult beverage during the holidays and even every once and a while during the year is okay, binge drinking causes the most problems.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) has maintained a clear cut definition for binge drinking – binge drinking is drinking to the point where an individual’s Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) reaches levels of 0.08 g/dL. For men, five or more drinks in a single sitting would be considered binge drinking – in women, four or more drinks in a single sitting would have them fitting this definition. Generally, one in every eight women will binge drink and one in every four men will binge drink.

The sugary cocktails we have come to enjoy during the holidays can wreak havoc on our oral health – when the sugars from these drinks sit on our teeth and mix with the natural bacteria of our mouths, they turn to acid. These acids are what is responsible for causes tooth decay and cavities which, when left untreated, can cause even further oral problems. This problem only compounds when we overindulge in alcoholic drinks, leaving more sugar on the surface of the teeth, which can cause even more damage.

Just like many other foods and drinks that can cause tooth decay, such as soda, candy, cookies, and other sweet treats, they do not have to be avoided completely – enjoying a holiday cocktail or two, always in moderation, is acceptable. Additionally, drinking water between cocktails can help to wash some of the sugars away from the teeth, which will help to reduce the risk of cavities between brushing.

If you think you may already have problems, consider seeing a dentist before the holidays even get started. If you want to save as much as 20 percent on your checkup bill, use a New Hampshire discount dental plan like the Wellness Dental Plan. For more information on our family, employer, and individual plans, click here.

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