How Dry Jan can improve your oral health

It doesn’t take too long to find a friend or family member doing “Dry Jan”. A survey found that almost 9 million Brits planned a month off alcohol in January 2023. There are many benefits to time away from drinking, such as saving money and improved sleep.

Going alcohol-free is also associated with superior oral health. There are many drinks that damage the teeth when frequently consumed; cutting them out can keep your teeth strong and bright. As 2025 creaks into motion, now is as good a time as any to consider the benefits of cutting out the booze.

Plaque attack

People who drink large quantities of alcohol on a regular basis have higher plaque levels on their teeth. They are also three times more likely to experience permanent tooth loss. But why? And what does this mean for people who only drink moderately?

Many alcoholic drinks are high in sugar. From the sweetness of cider to the head-spinning effects of a Long Island iced-tea, sugar is prevalent across many a favourite tipple. Even a dark beer with its bitter flavour can contain over 3 grams of sugar per pint. Spirits are often paired with carbonated soft drinks for a nicer flavour. But that flavour comes with a sugar tax, as these soft drinks are also bad for the teeth.

Immoderate drinking causes tooth decay because of the sugar content. The bacteria in our mouths thrives on sugar; the more you give it then the more active it becomes. The reaction between the bacteria and sugar releases an acid – this erodes the enamel of the teeth. Without the enamel, the teeth lose their protective shield and can be damaged by the acid. Tooth decay can be visible, with white, brown or black spots appearing on the tooth. This can impact the look of the smile, and may increase self-consciousness.

In the spirit of Dry Jan, cutting out the sugary alcoholic drinks can reduce plaque prevalence. This also reduces the daily sugar intake and keeps the teeth and the body healthier and happier.

Have you ever seen the stain?

How many times have you known someone was drinking red wine by the colour of their teeth? Purple teeth are instantly noticeable among red wine drinkers. Other drinks, such as punch and sangria, have the same instant effect. Compounds in these drinks called chromogens cause the staining. They attach to the weakened tooth enamel and give the teeth that purple layer.

But alcohol-related staining is not limited to all things purple. It can be gradual, with dark-coloured soft drinks and dark beers also having staining effects. Over time these acidic liquids damage the enamel. This darkens the teeth. A stained smile can impact social situations, making the person feel self-conscious about their teeth.

A rinse of water in between these alcoholic drinks can wash away the acid and the colourful compounds. But for the best way to reduce alcohol-related staining, drink less!

Giving it a go

65% of people notice an improvement in their health after a break from alcohol. Dry Jan is an excellent time to give it a go because of the support network in place. Doing it with a friend or family member means you can also encourage each other. Even if you miss the start of January, going alcohol-free at any time of the year is an enormous benefit for your oral health and your overall health.

Get support for a dry January