How Does Beer Affect Your Oral Health?

Each time you put down a cold pint, you’re simultaneously doing something good and bad for your oral health. With craft beer culture becoming a huge hit, countless people have begun enjoying one or more beers a day, trying to find the brew that rivals all others. If you love a cold beer and enjoy hopping from brewery to brewery, there are some things you should keep in mind, like how your hobby is impacting your oral health. Read on to learn how beer can affect your teeth and what preventive measures you can take.

Acidity, Beer, & Your Tooth Enamel

An article from Registered Dental Hygienist Magazine reports that if you eat or drink any item that has a pH that falls below 5.7, which is more acidic compared to the pH inside of your mouth, your enamel could erode. This outer structure of the teeth is meant to protect them from the threat of harmful oral bacteria, and if it’s weakened, your teeth could be more susceptible to decay. Beer has an average pH between 4.0 and 5.5, which could result in enamel demineralization.

Beer & the Negative Affects it Has on Your Smile

Besides its acidity, other traits of beer can have an impact on your smile. Here are a few problems that could arise if you enjoy a craft pint each day:

• Dry mouth and dehydration that could result in harmful bacteria accumulation.
• Beer and ciders can have ample amounts of sugar that acts as a fuel for harmful oral bacteria.
• Dark beers can stain your teeth.

Yes! It’s Possible for Beer to Be Good for Your Teeth, Too

You’ll be pleased to know that your favorite craft beers aren’t entirely bad for your oral health! They offer some dental benefits as well:

• Since beer is made from barley and hops, it’s high in calcium, which helps strengthen your teeth. Craft beers that are brewed with local, fresh ingredients are typically the best ones to choose when it comes to benefitting your body!
• Beer is fermented, which means that it contains yeast and tons of good bacteria. Both of these factors can help kill off bad oral bacteria.

Protect Your Teeth from the Harmful Effects of Beer

There are both downsides and upsides to your love of craft beer in terms of the impact that it can have on your smile, but you can level out the downsides by being proactive. When you’re sitting down at your local brewery enjoying a few beers, be sure to alternate and drink plenty of water. This will help your mouth produce more saliva, which prevents dry mouth and neutralizes the acid from beer. It’s also a good idea to brush frequently, but not too soon after you enjoy a beer! Wait at least 20 minutes after you finish drinking to brush your teeth, because the acid can soften your enamel, and brushing too soon could erode it even faster.

Even though beer can have adverse effects on your oral health, as long as you drink in moderation and take preventive measures like drinking plenty of water, you can prevent any harm to your smile.

About the Author

Dr. Gustavo Arrechea is a passionate dentist who loves getting to know his patients and helping them establish an oral hygiene routine that keeps their smile healthy and happy for a lifetime. He focuses on preventive dental care so he can keep small oral health problems from becoming serious issues down the road. If it has been longer than six months since you last visited your dentist for a checkup and cleaning, or you’re experiencing dental sensitivity that could be caused by drinking too much beer, visit Daily Smiles Dental’s website or call 214-233-9460.