How does consuming alcoholic beverages on New Year's affect your teeth?

The arrival of a new year is a cause for celebration, so people prepare to enjoy a variety of dishes and drinks because unlike Christmas, which is considered a time for reflection, New Year's is a reason to party.

However, one thing to keep in mind is not to abuse cocktails or sugary drinks that contain syrups or alcohol, which you will probably consume that day because the gas in some of them affects the enamel of your teeth.

"It is necessary to be aware of oral health and to review what you eat and drink during these holidays. It is best not to overdo it and have a proper oral hygiene habit, as the high amount of sugar in cocktails can increase acidity in the mouth and cause more tooth decay, weaken tooth enamel, and cause dental sensitivity.", comments Ítalo Funes Rumiche, former director of the Dental College of Peru.

How does alcohol consumption affect your teeth?

According to a study from the University of Melbourne (Australia), most soft drinks and carbonated beverages cause between 30% and 50% softening of tooth enamel. On the other hand, according to the American Dental Association (ADA), the bacteria in the mouth that cause tooth decay feed on sugar and produce acids that attack the enamel of the teeth within 20 minutes.

Tips for taking care of your teeth during the holidays

Therefore, to take care of your teeth during the holidays, the specialist provides some recommendations.

Don't abuse carbonated drinks

Some products used to prepare cocktails have a high sugar content that weakens the tooth structure over time.

Take care of your oral hygiene

One way to protect your teeth during parties or at any time of the year if you are going to a party is to brush them 20 minutes before consuming any alcoholic beverage.

Consume alcohol in moderation

Remember that drinking too much can cause future oral lesions and cavities. In the case of wines, stains can appear on your teeth as well.

Control what you eat

The Panettone, desserts prepared to enjoy the New Year's dinner, and the delicious dishes made with a variety of ingredients can harm your teeth if you do not consume them in moderation.

How often should you visit the dentist?

It is ideal to do it every six months, as this way the dentist will be able to detect any cavities in time and take the necessary measures to treat them. However, dental visits also depend on age and the condition of your teeth.

On the other hand, according to Funes Rumiche, it is advisable to visit a specialist after the Christmas and New Year celebration to check the condition of your teeth.

Finally, remember the importance of using dental floss, fluoride mouthwash, and changing your toothbrush every two months to prevent cavities and other dental problems that can sometimes lead to diseases that affect other organs.