Have you ever put off brushing and gone straight to sleep after a fun night out because you were too tired?

You might think, 'Won't the alcohol disinfect my mouth?' In reality, it doesn't.

Drinking alcohol reduces saliva flow, weakening your mouth's ability to rinse itself and neutralize acids. If food debris from the snacks you had with your drinks is also left behind, your mouth becomes an environment where bacteria can thrive.

Saliva production drops even further while you sleep, allowing bacteria to multiply rapidly. So if you fall asleep without brushing after drinking, your risk of cavities can rise even more.

The effects of alcohol don't stop at your teeth. Excessive drinking lowers immunity in the mouth and can cause gum inflammation or bleeding.

If your gums swell or bleed when you brush the day after heavy drinking, don't dismiss it as temporary. If these symptoms keep coming back, cut down on how often you drink and have your gums checked at the dentist.

Alcohol damages enamel, the hard outer layer of your teeth, which leads to staining. Wine and beer in particular stain teeth more easily.

When drinking wine or beer, rinse your mouth with water every now and then so the drink doesn't linger on your teeth.

If you've vomited after drinking too much, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water first instead of brushing right away.

Stomach acid left in your mouth can weaken the surface of your teeth. Brushing immediately can irritate the weakened surface, so it's better to brush after rinsing thoroughly with water.

Excessive drinking can also increase the risk of tooth loss. If you have dental treatment coming up or are currently being treated, it's best to avoid alcohol, as it can affect your oral recovery.