What Does Alcohol Do To Teeth? - Yorktown Heights Dental - Dr. David Lerner, DDS

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alcohol and oral healthIt’s around this time of year when we’re bombarded with parties, family celebrations, and impromptu get togethers. It’s also when we tend to have more alcohol available to us than any other time of the year. While we know you understand the serious complications drinking too much alcohol may have on your body, all of us at my Yorktown Heights dental office want to make sure you also know how alcohol can affect your teeth.

 

Why Is Alcohol Bad for Teeth?

Alcohol is naturally dehydrating — both to the body and to your mouth. When your mouth becomes dry, enough saliva isn’t produced. This is a problem. Saliva rids your mouth of unwanted, dangerous bacteria and neutralizes damaging acid. Without it, your teeth are vulnerable to acid attacks and decay. What’s more, alcohol is high in both sugar and acid. When you combine those ingredients and take away the saliva that’s meant to wipe them away, your teeth are left exposed to the dangers of enamel wear, decay, cavities, and more.

 

What Can it Do?

Over-consumption of alcohol not only increases the risk for decay and cavities, it may also lead  to more serious oral health concerns like oral cancer and gum disease. In fact, recent research has shown that excessive drinkers are three times more likely to suffer from serious gum disease than a non-drinker. Gum disease is a dangerous problem that not only affects the mouth, but can lead to more complicated issues throughout the body like heart disease, increased risk for stroke, and diabetic complications.

 

How to Protect Your Smile.

  • Brush & Floss — It’s recommended you brush twice a day and floss once a day. After drinking an alcoholic beverage, wait 20 minutes, then brush. It can help decrease the negative effects alcohol has on the mouth.
  • Limit Alcohol Consumption — The best way to avoid problems caused by alcohol is to reduce the amount you have. Also try to drink a glass of water in between multiple adult beverages.
  • Seek Help if Needed — If you suspect you have an addiction to alcohol, we encourage you to seek counseling.
  • Visit Your Yorktown Heights Dentist Regularly — At least every six months is crucial for catching any problems early.

At my dental office in Yorktown Heights, we’re dedicated to the health of our patients — both their oral health and overall health. Many times the first signs of an alcohol problem show in the mouth. This is one reason we recommend keeping up with regular appointments. If you’re overdue on your checkups, give us a call. We’ll be happy to see you.

 

Serving patients from Yorktown Heights, Putnam Valley, Mahopac, Cortland, Croton, and Somers.

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"I can’t thank Dr. Lerner and his staff enough, notably his assistant Nicole for expertly handling my mercury filling removals.I had it done in 2 phases and they took very good care of me on both occasions. The whole office is very pleasant, so professional and I look forward to my visits. On this most recent cleaning appointment, Linda did my cleaning. She was gentle and thorough. Highly recommend."

- Vanessa R.

"Excellent experience during my initial consultation. The most complete examination I have ever had by a dentist, including full body muscle testing. This testing uncovered major alignment issues with my jaw which has been causing a lifetime of misalignment throughout the rest of my body. Dr. Lerner and his staff are outside the box thinkers and I am very happy I have found them."

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"Very professional and compassionate. Love the use of Nucalm, eye mask, calming music, and making removing my mercury fillings a pleasant experience. Well as pleasant as can be. Thank you!!!"

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"Been seeing Dr Lerner since I was about 11 years old, I’m now 31! I continue to see Jane for cleanings and just did the zoom whitening treatment with them in preparation of my wedding- highly recommend!"

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*The reviews listed are from actual patients of The Center For Holistic Dentistry. Individual results may vary. Reviews are not claimed to represent results for everyone.

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What To Expect On Your First Visit

Our mission is to encourage full-body wellness through oral health while allowing you to feel heard and understand all your options. During your new patient exam, Dr. Lerner will spend time reviewing your health history, concerns, and goals. Your comprehensive exam will address items you may not have considered such as airway screening and dental materials sensitivity testing. We look forward to meeting you!

Comprehensive Review Of Your Health History & Concerns

Evaluation Of Teeth, Bite, Gums & Airway Passage

Low Radiation Digital X-Rays

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