DeMartino Dental Group Blog

Alcohol is a common part of social life, but there’s a lot of confusion about how it affects your teeth and gums. While moderate drinking may seem harmless, misconceptions about alcohol and oral health can lead to habits that put your smile at risk. Let’s break down 4 common myths about alcohol and oral health and uncover the truth behind them.

Myth 1: Clear Alcohol is Better for Your Teeth Than Dark Alcohol

Many people believe clear alcohol like vodka or gin is safer for teeth than dark drinks such as red wine or whiskey. While dark beverages are more likely to stain teeth, clear alcohol still poses risks. Most alcoholic drinks are acidic and can weaken enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to decay and sensitivity. Additionally, mixers—often high in sugar and acids—can be just as damaging regardless of the alcohol’s color.

Myth 2: Alcohol Kills Bacteria in Your Mouth

It’s easy to assume alcohol acts like mouthwash, killing harmful bacteria. In reality, alcohol doesn’t selectively eliminate bad bacteria and shouldn’t be relied on for oral hygiene. Instead, alcohol dries out the mouth by reducing saliva production. Saliva is essential for neutralizing acids and washing away food particles. A dry mouth increases the risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.

Myth 3: Wine is Good for Your Teeth Because It Contains Antioxidants

Red wine is often praised for its antioxidants, but that doesn’t mean it’s good for your teeth. Wine is acidic and can erode enamel over time. Red wine also contains tannins that cause staining, while white wine can soften enamel, making teeth more susceptible to discoloration from other foods. Any potential health benefits don’t cancel out the damage wine can do to your smile if consumed frequently.

Myth 4: Brushing Right After Drinking Protects Your Teeth

Brushing immediately after drinking alcohol may seem like a smart move, but it can actually harm your teeth. Acidic drinks temporarily soften enamel, and brushing too soon can wear it away. Instead, rinse your mouth with water, wait at least 30 to 60 minutes, and then brush to protect your enamel.

How to Protect Your Oral Health When Drinking

If you choose to drink alcohol, moderation is key. Drink water between alcoholic beverages, avoid sugary mixers, and maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine. Regular dental checkups help catch early signs of erosion or decay.

Understanding the truth about alcohol and oral health helps you make better choices for your smile. By debunking these myths and practicing mindful habits, you can enjoy social occasions while keeping your teeth and gums healthy for years to come.

About the Practice

Here at DeMartino Dental Group, we happily help all ages smile brighter. We’re the first laser dentists to practice in Lehigh Valley, and we have 3 decades of experience and counting! We’ve provided dental care to generations of patients from Easton, Bethlehem, Allentown, and beyond. We’d love to work with you, too. Schedule an appointment online or call (908) 859-5260.

When you struggle with noticeable flaws in your teeth, there’s often an easy solution to correct them. For stains, professional whitening can often help. For chips, dental bonding is an effective option. But what happens when your smile is too “gummy” or your teeth seem too short or stubby? Unfortunately, many people don’t realize that there’s a treatment called gum contouring that can remove excess tissue and reveal more of your healthy, beautiful teeth.  Here’s all you need to know about this procedure, and how to tell if it’s right for you!

If you’re experiencing a toothache, your dentist may recommend a root canal to relieve your pain and save your natural tooth. But one of the most common questions patients have is, “How much does a root canal cost?” The answer depends on several factors, including the tooth being treated, the complexity of the infection, and the type of restoration you’ll need afterward. Understanding what goes into the cost can help you plan your treatment with confidence.

Finding the right dentist is an important part of maintaining good oral health for yourself and your loved ones. Instead of juggling multiple providers for each family member, many people turn to a family dentist. A family dentist is trained to care for patients of all ages, from toddlers to seniors, making them a convenient and trusted option. Beyond convenience, there are several advantages to choosing a family dentist. Here are 5 key benefits.

Do you have a nagging toothache that won’t go away? It may be getting in the way of your everyday life, as it may hurt to eat your favorite foods or have a hot coffee in the morning. While you may be tempted to wait it out, this discomfort could be putting your overall health at greater risk. This may be especially true if you have an infected tooth. Keep reading to learn why you should call your emergency dentist right away.

Have you noticed that your jaw hurts, but only on one side? It’s natural to wonder what caused it and whether it will require a complex procedure, like a root canal, to address. After all, there are several reasons you might be experiencing discomfort more on one side of your mouth than the other, and some are more urgent than others.

However, it’s usually better to contact your provider sooner rather than later so they can identify and treat the underlying concern. Continue reading to learn 3 potential causes for your throbbing jaw and how your dentist might help!

Almost everyone has at least one frustrating defect in their smile that they would love to get rid of, and cosmetic dentistry has allowed countless patients to achieve gorgeous grins that they can be proud to show off. However, it’s perfectly reasonable to be hesitant about committing to a treatment if you don’t know how long it will take. Here’s a brief overview of the timeframes attached to a few popular cosmetic dental services.

It’s generally not ideal to have a flight scheduled soon after your tooth extraction. But life happens, and canceling a flight at the last minute can be inconvenient and costly. Is there anything you can do to protect your treatment site and remain comfortable?

Luckily for you, there are – in fact, there are at least three things you should definitely plan on doing! Keep reading for the best post-extraction travel tips.

Few things are more frustrating than a throbbing toothache that hits just as you’re trying to fall asleep. Tooth pain always seems to feel worse at night – when you’re tired, everything is quiet, and you can’t distract yourself from the discomfort. While a nighttime toothache is often a sign you need to see a dentist, there are a few things you can do in the meantime to find relief and finally get some rest. Here are some practical tips to help you sleep through a nighttime toothache and wake up feeling a bit better.

If you wear dentures, you already know how important it is for them to stay secure, especially when dining out and having conversations. Denture adhesive can give you extra confidence, but with so many products on the shelves, it can be hard to know which one to pick. Continue reading to see a breakdown of the most common types of denture adhesives and learn which one might suit your needs.