Mouth cancer diagnoses have risen dramatically over the last two decades and are predicted to continue rising. If people cut down on their alcohol consumption it could make a big difference in reducing cases of the disease.

Top tips on how to reduce the effects of alcohol on the teeth and mouth

While abstaining from alcohol will go far in improving our oral health, there are ways to find balance between drinking and a healthy mouth. That being said, here are some tips on how to do just that:

• Drink water after an alcoholic drink: It helps to balance pH levels in our mouth and wash some of the sugar away.
• Try and keep the alcohol confined to mealtimes: by drinking at meal times it will help to reduce the intensity of the acid attack on our teeth and weaken its effects.
• Use mouthwash: Mouthwash has a similar effect to water in that it will help wash away acidic substances such as alcoholic drinks from our teeth. The added benefit of mouthwash is that it will also go some way in protecting the teeth from further attack. Certain mouthwashes can coat our teeth in a protective shield and may help protect us against problems like gum disease or sensitive teeth. To check the benefits of each mouthwash, it is important to read the packaging prior to purchase.

Alcohol Awareness Week runs from 7-13 July 2025 and is on the theme of alcohol and work.
alcoholchange.org.uk/get-involved/campaigns/alcohol-awareness-week