WITH yet another long weekend upon us, it seems like the perfect opportunity to knock back a few fizzy gin cocktails.
But the sight of Brits sipping this beloved beverage has dentists looking on in horror.
Dentist and founder of Belfast-based Paste Dental, Dr Alan Clarke, acknowledged that the hints of beer garden and upcoming summer holidays pair especially well with a gin drink.
But he warned the juniper-based spirit can wreak havoc on your pearly whites, especially the fruity and flavoured varieties.
If sweet gin drinks are your tipple of choice, your teeth can bear telltale signs, resulting in what Dr Clarke called a 'gin grin'.
"It can be apparent to a dentist if you’ve got gin grin by the dryness of your mouth," he explained.
Read more on oral health
Huge change to NHS dentist appointments – see how much you’ll have to pay
Five ways to keep your teeth in tip-top condition to avoid big dental bills
A parched mouth isn’t healthy for many reasons, Dr Clarke continued.
"Regarding teeth, saliva helps keep teeth moist to remove plaque and bacteria," he pointed out – so a lack of it certainly isn't good for your nashers.
Gin lovers might also find they have eroded enamel and an increase in sensitivity, Dr Clarke added.
He said: "When you consume sugary gin cocktails, it combines with bacteria in your mouth to create an acid that attacks your tooth enamel.
Most read in Diet & Fitness
I'm a dietitian – here are 9 cheap food swaps that will help you lose weight fast
I'm a gut doctor – get rid of garlic breath without gum or brushing your teeth
I'm a weight loss guru – common diet mistakes can STOP you losing weight
I’m a dietitian – 4 foods you must NEVER reheat or risk ‘deadly’ pathogens
"Over time, this can lead to tooth decay, cavities, and other dental problems.
"In more severe cases, gum disease and mouth sores can be developed from drinking too much, and you’re at higher risk of oral cancer."
Dentists have also sounded the alarm over the nation's other favourite fizz, prosecco – known for posing a triple threat to your pearly whites with its acidic bubbles, alcohol and a high sugar content.
Scientists decided to test out its effect on teeth by dropping healthy human molars and incisors in the Italian sparkling wine for 14 days.
After being submerged in prosecco for a fortnight, the once gleaming white teeth emerged as chalky clumps of powder.
According to Dr Mervyn Druian, the wine "is acidic and it has sugar in it so, while a few glasses are fine, if you drink too much of it you are going to have a problem.
"The signs of prosecco smile are where the teeth come out of the gum.
"It starts with a white line just below the gum, which if you probe it is a little bit soft, and that is the beginning of tooth decay which can lead to fillings and dental work."
Chilling as they are, these warnings don't mean you need to swear off booze altogether this bank holiday weekend.
Dr Clarke suggested a few tips for protecting your teeth.
1. Limit Your Intake
Whilst a gin cocktail can add a delicious taste on a sunny day, it's important to limit your intake, the dentist warned.
"If you drink, drink in moderation," he said. "Consider using a smaller amount of syrup or diluting it with water."
2. Use a straw
Dr Clarke's second tip was to drink your gin fizz through a straw, as this can help minimize the contact between sugary syrups and your teeth.
"This is because the straw directs the liquid to the back of your mouth, reducing the amount of time the drink spends in contact with your teeth," he explained.
3. Rinse Your Mouth
Try rinsing your mouth with water after consuming flavoured syrup, Dr Clarke added, as this can help wash away any excess sugar and acids, reducing their impact on your teeth.
4. Brush and Floss Regularly
Your normal oral care can help fight the effects of gin and prosecco on your nashers.
Brushing and flossing regularly can help remove plaque and food particles from your teeth, reducing the risk of tooth decay and cavities, Dr Clarke said.
Make sure to brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time, and floss at least once a day.
Guidance from the NHS states that flossing is important as it can remove bits of food from between your teeth, preventing gum disease.
Read More on The Sun
People are just realizing Prince George & North West are the same age
Princess Charlotte ‘twins’ with Kate Middleton in matching coronation outfits
5. Visit Your Dentist
Finally, regular dental check-ups can help catch any dental problems early, before they become more serious.
Dr Clarke urged you to visit your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and exam.
Source: Read Full Article