If you know the answer to the question “How much do braces cost in Singapore?”, you’re likely to be taking great care of your current metal, lingual or clear braces. While there are many restrictions in terms of what you can and can’t consume with braces on, it’s safe to say that alcohol in moderate amounts* is harmless to your braces.
But while that’s the case for your braces, the same can’t be said for your body—and your oral health. Here are some of the effects of alcohol on your gums, mouth tissues and teeth.
Teeth
Those diagnosed with alcohol use disorder usually have higher plaque levels on their teeth. They also have triple the level of risk as compared to an average person when it comes to experiencing permanent tooth loss.
What you probably want to know is whether or not moderate drinking makes you at risk for developing severe tooth and mouth disease. Unfortunately, there isn’t much conclusive medical evidence. However, dentists say that the effects of moderate drinking regularly are clear to see.
Staining
Did you know that the coloring in beverages comes from chromogens? Chromogens have a tendency to cling onto our defensive tooth enamel that’s been weakened by the acid within alcohol, thereby staining your teeth. A simple way to avoid this is to use a straw when drinking alcoholic beverages, and rinse with water after that.
If you happen to love drinking concoctions that are a mix of liquor and dark sodas,or red wine for that matter—bid goodbye to your pearlie whites. Other than the sugar content, these dark-colored soft drinks, even when mixed with alcohol, can discolor the teeth. That’s not to say that you have to avoid them entirely—just keep in mind to rinse your mouth with water between drinks.
At this point, beer lovers will be wondering about their favourite alcoholic beverage. Well, it’s marginally better—but not by much. Acidic in nature, the dark barley and malts found within darker beers also have teeth-staining properties.
Dryness
Drinks with high alcohol content such as spirits tend to dry the mouth. Alcohol consumption decreases saliva flow, causing bacteria that usually is washed away naturally to cling to the enamel layer on the teeth—increasing the risk of developing tooth decay. Stay hydrated by drinking some water while you drink alcohol. Chew some sugar-free gum or suck on some mint between drinks to further help increase saliva production.
Additional damage
If you have a habit of chewing the ice in your drinks, you may end up causing breakage to your teeth. In addition, if you often like to add some citrus to your beverage, keep in mind that just a drop of lemon juice is capable of eroding tooth enamel.
Heavy drinkers are at a much higher risk for developing gum disease, tooth decay, and mouth sores. Try to limit your drinking for the sake of your oral health as much as you can. If this advice has reached your ears a little too late, find a good orthodontist or dentist in Singapore to go to for advice and treatment today!
*no more than 8 drinks in a week for women, and no more than 15 for men.
Location
10 Sinaran Drive, #11-18
Novena Medical Centre
Singapore 307506