13
May
Alcohol And Oral Health
The holiday season is upon us, and with all of the merriment, you’re bound to be offered a drink or two. At Dental Care of Boca Raton, we’re not opposed to an occasional tipple, but we definitely want you to be aware of how alcohol consumption can affect your oral health. Here are a few specifics on alcohol and your mouth as well as suggestions about what you can do to make sure you stay healthy year-round.
It’s All About the Bacteria
Every single second, your mouth is host to millions of bacteria — both bad and good. The bad bacteria are what cause cavities, gum disease, bad breath, and even strep throat. The good bacteria are what keep the bad bacteria in check. When you drink alcohol, more bad bacteria is produced while beneficial bacteria production is diminished. This puts you at risk not only for the conditions listed above, but whole health problems, as well, including hypertension, heart disease, and low birth weight in babies.
Stay Hydrated
Another thing that occurs when you drink alcohol is dehydration. When you are dehydrated, saliva production slows; because saliva is nature’s way of constantly cleaning your teeth and oral structures, the absence of it causes harm. The best way to fight the effects that alcohol has on your teeth is to stay hydrated. Drinking lots of water before and during your alcohol consumption can help keep bad and good bacteria balanced. It can also prevent the dehydration that leads to hangovers. If you use a mouthwash that contains alcohol, skip it when you’ve been drinking.
Another way you can help prevent the pitfalls of drinking is to brush and floss every single day. If you’re drinking and have food stuck between your teeth, you’ve basically created a feast for the bad bacteria you’re trying to get rid of. When you brush, opt for a toothpaste that doesn’t have sodium lauryl sulfate (the ingredient that makes your toothpaste foamy), as it can also contribute to dehydrating the mouth.
No matter how you celebrate, the team at Dental Care of Boca Raton is here to help you keep your mouth healthy and smile beautiful. If you live in or near Boca Raton, Florida, we’d love to count you among our patients! Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
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Dr. Carlos Villacis
Dr. Carlos Villacis, originally from Ecuador and raised in Miami, Florida, is a compassionate and skilled dentist with a focus on restorative and pediatric care. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the University of Maryland and his Bachelor’s in Biology from Florida International University. Dr. Villacis has practiced in private clinics, refining his expertise in patient care. His dedication to serving underserved populations, including his work with the Limited Income Uninsured Children Program, demonstrates his commitment to making quality dental care accessible. You can trust Dr. Villacis to provide attentive, high-quality care for every patient.
Dr. Erisa Sam
Dr. Erisa Sam is a highly trained Southern California dentist passionate about delivering exceptional care. A graduate of the University of California, Irvine, she continued her dental education at Midwestern University, specializing in cosmetic, general, and laser dentistry. Her numerous awards, including the Digital Dentistry Award and extensive research contributions, showcase her expertise. Dr. Sam is strongly committed to patient welfare, having volunteered in numerous dental outreach programs. Patients can rely on Dr. Sam’s precision and dedication to ensuring they receive the highest quality, personalized dental care.
Dr. Mehulkumar Ardeshana
Dr. Mehulkumar Ardeshana, known as “Dr. A” is a skilled dentist with over a decade of experience, known for his commitment to patient care and advanced dental techniques. He earned his dental degree with honors in India and continued his education at Nova Southeastern University, where he graduated first in his class. Specializing in root canal therapy, cosmetic dentistry, and advanced implantology, Dr. Ardeshana is a member of the American Dental Association and Academy of General Dentistry. His patient-centered philosophy ensures you receive trustworthy, effective, and high-quality care tailored to your needs.
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