Dry January, February….

For most people January feels like the longest month of the year, after all the hype in the run up to Christmas, the festivities over the holidays, miserable weather and not to mention the long-awaited payday, so why do so many people avoid the booze in ‘dry January’? Some people have continued this into February and beyond.

Often we want to give the New Year a healthy kick start and establish positive goals, others may have over indulged in December and many partake in the challenge to raise funds for Alcohol Change UK.

The foundation encourages us to cut out alcohol completely, cut down, change our tipple or even just consider our relationship with alcohol; making positive changes in any way we can. Other benefits can include losing weight, saving money and general wellbeing; whether that be learning how to destress and unwind differently, sleeping better or thinking clearer.

From a dentist’s point of view reducing your alcohol consumption is always encouraged. Wine white, beer and cider are all very acidic and ultimately cause erosion on your teeth, possibly leading to pain and sensitivity. When you eat or drink anything acidic, your teeth undergo an ‘acid attack’ for up to an hour after consumption. During this period the enamel is weakened and your saliva is working to return to neutral PH levels. Spirits are higher in alcohol and give you dry mouth and mixers are high in sugar. It is these acid attacks that cause decay.

A good oral hygiene routine at home can help reduce damage caused by drinking alcohol, as does having regular visits to see the dentist and hygienist, however ultimately reducing or cutting out bad habits is the best solution to prevent any long term damage.

To get further advice on improving your oral health or to book a routine check up or hygiene visit, contact the practice:

Contact – Kingswood Parks Dental (kingswoodparksclinics.co.uk)