WARNING: WATCHING THE WORLD CUP COULD DAMAGE YOUR TEETH
Boozing and munching on pizza and burgers during the World Cup could lead to teeth decay, a top dentist has warned.
England fan Dr Affan Saghir claims the acid in alcoholic drinks - like beer and wine , will have an adverse effect on the nation’s oral health.
And he says there are some hygiene hacks that might reduce the impact as the nation goes football crazy.
Dr Saghir , who is the co-founder and clinical director of Space Dental who have branches in Leeds and across the country, said: “
As a dentist, I'm certainly not here to tell people not to enjoy themselves. Football is about making memories, celebrating with friends and getting behind the team. However, while we're all focused on England's performances, it's worth remembering that some match-day habits can have an impact on your oral health too.
The good news is that enjoying the football and looking after your teeth do not have to be mutually exclusive.
Let's keep it simple with an A-B-C-D-E approach.
A is for Acid
Many alcoholic drinks are naturally acidic, including beer, cider, wine and drinks mixed with fizzy beverages.
Acid temporarily softens the enamel, which is the protective outer layer of your teeth. The issue isn't usually the occasional pint. It's the repeated exposure over several hours that gives your teeth a tougher match than England's defence.
If you're drinking throughout the game, try not to continuously sip from kick-off until the final whistle. Giving your mouth a break and having some water alongside alcoholic drinks can help reduce the impact.
B is for Bacteria
Football nights and celebrations often bring crisps, sweets, burgers, pizzas and late night takeaways.
The bacteria that naturally live in dental plaque love these foods. They feed on sugars and carbohydrates and produce acids that increase the risk of tooth decay.
It's often the combination of frequent snacking and drinking over a long period that creates the biggest challenge for oral health.
C is for Clean Saliva Flow
Saliva is one of your body's most important natural defence systems.
It helps wash away food particles, neutralise acids and protect teeth from decay. Alcohol can reduce saliva flow and leave the mouth feeling dry, particularly when consumed in larger quantities.
A dry mouth can also contribute to bad breath, which is another reason to stay hydrated throughout the game.
Alternating alcoholic drinks with water is one of the simplest things you can do for both your oral health and your overall wellbeing.
D is for Discolouration
Many fans are surprised to learn how much certain drinks can contribute to staining.
Dark beers, red wine and some spirits can gradually affect the brightness of your smile over time. While occasional enjoyment is unlikely to cause major issues, regular exposure can lead to staining that many patients later seek professional whitening treatment to address.
E is for Everything in Moderation
This is perhaps the most important message of all.
Current UK guidance advises adults not to regularly consume more than 14 units of alcohol per week, ideally spread across several days rather than concentrated into a single session. For context, that's roughly equivalent to six pints of average strength beer spread throughout an entire week, not six pints during one match !”
Former award winning Young Dentist of the Year, Dr Affan ,36, is one of the UK’s leading cosmetic dentists and has five branches nationwide. His surgeries treat more than 1,000 private patients annually and he gives lectures , helping train dentists in advanced techniques.
He added:” I’m not a party pooper. It doesn't mean you can't celebrate a big England result. It simply means being mindful of your habits over the longer term.
So as England prepare for another big game, enjoy the occasion. Raise a glass, cheer on your team and make the most of the atmosphere. Just remember a few simple rules: stay hydrated, avoid continuous sipping for hours on end, brush before bed and give your teeth a little support .