St. Patrick’s Day is a time for celebration, with people often doing so by drinking and partying. As fun as the day may be, it’s essential to continue to take care of your oral health. The day shouldn’t lead to a dental emergency, so it’s important to practice caution. Keep reading to learn about 4 tips that you should follow to ensure you can enjoy this holiday to the fullest without having to end it with an unplanned visit to your emergency dentist.
Tip #1: Cut Out the Green Beer
Bars often color their beer green on St. Patrick’s Day to add a festive touch. While this may be a fun tradition, it can result in stained teeth. Although the green hue may not last long, it can leave your smile looking unattractive for the remainder of the day.
Tip #2: Go Easy on Stouts
Stout, a heavy-bodied and dark beer, is a popular choice in Great Britain and Ireland, particularly on St. Patrick’s Day. Its unique flavor and color are derived from roasted malts and barley. However, excessive consumption can result in smile discoloration. While an occasional mug of stout is unlikely to cause permanent staining, overindulging can lead to a yellow and dull smile.
Tip #3: Check the Acidity of Your Beer
Tooth enamel erosion caused by acid can increase your risk of developing cavities. Therefore, food and drinks with high acidity levels can damage your teeth, including beer. Consistent consumption of beer on St. Patrick’s Day can lead to a persistent acid attack on your teeth, increasing the likelihood of requiring an emergency dental visit.
Tip #4: Stay Hydrated
Apart from causing dental issues like staining and cavities, alcohol consumption can lead to dry mouth due to reduced saliva production. This may result in oral health problems, such as gum disease, cavities, and mouth sores.
How to Protect Your Smile on St. Patrick’s Day
To prevent staining, it is advisable to drink an ample amount of water throughout the day so stouts and green beers don’t leave stains on your beam. This will also neautralize acids and wash away harmful bacteria. Additionally, try rinsing your mouth out with water after consumption.
Using a straw to drink beer can also help minimize contact with your teeth. Also, chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugarless candy can be helpful in boosting saliva production during a break from drinking.
About the Practice
For top-notch dental care, Midtown Family Dentistry of Dallas is a dependable clinic that offers exceptional services to help you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile. They have a skilled team of professionals who are available to address any concerns you may have. They can also offer you tips for St. Patrick’s Day to ensure that you can enjoy the day to the fullest without leaving your smile in shambles. Whether you want to learn more about their services or to schedule an appointment, you can call Midtown Family Dentistry of Dallas’ office at (469) 290-0609 or visit their website.