Ask the dentist: Is alcohol bad for your teeth?
A Monthly Column by Dr. Derek Baram, Specialist Orthodontist, Director of Central Smile, and Founder of Braces & Faces
Is alcohol bad for your teeth?
I often get asked this at parties over a sip of whatever we are drinking. So let’s cheers before we discuss the harmful effects! Unfortunately, all alcoholic beverages are acidic and will erode (wear) teeth. However, some drinks are less acidic than others. Let’s start with those that are least harmful.
Beer or wine – which is better?
Beer is generally the better option for your teeth. It contains a weak acid called Carbonic Acid, but its acidic content is more diluted than most other alcoholic beverages. Beer also doesn’t have much sugar, but it contains lots of starch, which cavity-causing bacteria love. Wine is more acidic than beer and therefore considered more harmful to teeth. Red wines, particularly those high in tannins such as Cabernet or Syrah, bind to the rough surfaces of teeth, causing stains. The pH level of white wines are around 3, making them more acidic than red, and sadly, Champagne has an even higher acidity.
What about spirits?
Spirits are also acidic and reduce saliva production more than other drinks. By far, cocktails and other mixed drinks are the worst for teeth; for example, margaritas which contain lime can wreak havoc. In addition, mixed drinks usually have high sugar levels and acidity from additives like cola and fruit juices.
