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At the end of a long, difficult week at work, there is nothing that seems to sound better than an ice-cold beer. Whether this is your way of winding down at the end of the day, or it’s something that you enjoy with friends and family, beer is a popular beverage of choice for many people. But have you ever thought about the ways that beer can affect your pearly whites? Read on to learn what this adult beverage is doing to your smile.

Tooth Discoloration

Just like many pigmented beverages, beer can cause teeth to become stained. This can appear as either yellow or brown tints on the surface of the teeth. If you like to drink darker beers, like porters and stouts, this can cause even more discoloration. In order to reduce this, drink a glass of water while you are enjoying your beer. This way, the beer will be rinsed off the teeth quicker. Brush your teeth once you finish the beverage.

Enamel Loss

In addition to affecting the appearance of your teeth, beer can actually cause structural damage. The enamel that surrounds and protects your teeth is the strongest substance in your entire body, but acidic beverages, like beer, are its nemesis! Over time, beer can erode the enamel which is permanent issue. This will expose the yellow dentin underneath and cause additional discoloration and sensitivity. Keep in mind that darker malt beers tend to be more acidic than light beers. Sours are typically the most acidic types of beer out there.

Dry Mouth

If you drink alcoholic beverages often, you can become dehydrated. This will mess with your body’s ability to produce enough saliva to keep the pH of your mouth at an ideal level. Fewer food particles and bacteria will be washed away as well. Be sure that you are drinking plenty of water to keep your body hydrated, especially when you are enjoying adult beverages.

Gum Disease

You might not be thinking of beer as a sugary drink, but there is quite a lot in there. The bacteria in your mouth feed off this sugar and plaque is the result. This sticky substance can harden into tartar when it isn’t removed right away. Ultimately, this makes it more difficult to clean your gums effectively and you can develop an infection known as gum disease. When left to progress, this can mean gum recession, loose teeth, and tooth loss. Be sure that you are keeping up excellent oral hygiene practices to keep your smile in excellent shape.

If you are a beer enthusiast, you should know about the effects that this beverage has on your teeth. This way, you can take steps to keep your smile healthy!