As we continue to wind down from the holiday season, many people decide to participate in Dry January. This campaign encourages people to abstain from alcohol for the entire month of January to detoxify their bodies, promote better sleep, and improve overall health.
While the benefits of going alcohol-free are well-documented in terms of physical and mental well-being, the positive impact on oral health often goes overlooked. The truth is that participating in Dry January can significantly benefit your oral health—here’s how.
How Does Alcohol Impact Oral Health?
First, let’s look at how alcohol can impact your dental health. Alcohol consumption, especially frequent or excessive consumption, can lead to a plethora of oral health issues, including [1]:
- Dry mouth
- Enamel erosion
- Higher risk for oral cancer
- Increased plaque buildup
- Sensitive teeth
By choosing to abstain from alcohol during January, you can mitigate these risks and take positive steps towards a healthier mouth.
Reduce Your Risk for Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
One noteworthy benefit of refraining from alcohol is the improvement in oral hygiene. Alcohol can dehydrate the body, including the mouth, leading to a reduction in saliva production.
Saliva plays a vital role in cleaning the mouth and neutralizing acids that can erode tooth enamel. Saliva also helps balance oral bacteria and protect and nourish teeth, which can lower the risk of enamel damage. With less saliva, the risk of tooth decay and gum disease increases [2].
By refraining from drinking alcohol, you can experience improved saliva production and better oral hygiene.
Protect Tooth Enamel
Alcohol is acidic, and many alcoholic drinks contain high amounts of sugar. The acidic nature and sugar content of these drinks can lead to enamel erosion, sensitive teeth, discoloration, and tooth decay.
Participating in Dry January can help you protect your tooth enamel, resulting in a reduced risk of dental problems in the future. Abstaining from alcohol can also help prevent further discoloration of your teeth or your tooth sensitivity from getting worse.
Freshen Your Breath
It’s no secret that alcohol consumption can lead to bad breath, known as alcohol-induced halitosis [3]. This has to do with the fact that alcohol dries out the oral cavity, leading to an increase in harmful bacteria and less-than-pleasant breath. When you stop drinking, you reduce your risk of experiencing bad breath and enhance your overall oral hygiene.
Lower Your Risk for Oral Cancer
Alcohol consumption is a risk factor for oral cancer—even moderate drinkers have an increased risk of developing cancer than non-drinkers [4]. When you stop drinking for Dry January, you can potentially lower your risk of developing oral cancer. Also, drinking less throughout the year can help you keep your risk low and protect your health!
Keep Your Smile Fresh This Year!
As Dry January gains traction as a popular health trend, it’s important to recognize the positive effects it can have on oral health. By participating in this alcohol-free challenge, you can experience improved oral hygiene, reduced risk of tooth decay and gum disease, fresher breath, and stronger tooth enamel. Cheers to a healthier smile!
Sources:
1. https://penndentalmedicine.org/blog/is-alcohol-bad-for-your-teeth/
2. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/dry-mouth#overview
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19323309/
4. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/alcohol/alcohol-fact-
sheet
