Happy Hour=Unhappy Teeth

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Happy hour isn’t so happy when you realize the harmful effects alcohol has on the health of your teeth and gums. Here are a few of the problems that can develop in your mouth if you drink alcoholic beverages in excess.

Tooth Decay

There are three ways alcohol increases your risk for cavities: its high sugar content, its acidity, and how it dries out the mouth. The bacteria in your mouth process sugars to create acids. These acids work with the acids found in alcohol to attack tooth enamel, eventually creating holes. Alcohol also dries out the mouth, which means that it decreases the flow of the saliva that neutralizes acids and brings in the minerals that rebuild tooth enamel.

Stained Teeth

Deeply pigmented alcoholic beverages like red wine can stain and darken your teeth. Even alcoholic beverages that don’t have these dark pigments can discolor teeth because their acids attack tooth enamel, making it thinner and revealing more of the yellow dentin tissue underneath.

Tooth Erosions

There are several acids and chemicals found in alcohol which eat away at the tooth enamel surrounding and protecting your teeth. As more of the enamel erodes, your teeth can become sensitive, discolored, and they may develop small indents.

Oral Cancer

Frequent alcohol consumption increases the production of oral squamous cell carcinomas, which are responsible for 90% of mouth cancer cases. Studies also show that 75-80% of people who develop oral cancer often drink alcohol. The risk for this disease increases even more if one drinks alcohol and smokes tobacco.