13+ Benefits of Dry January

In fact, over 60% of Brits admit to over-indulging with alcohol during the festive period. i

In an attempt to re-establish a balance, many people sign up for Dry January, committing to a month of no alcohol consumption. And there are many tangible benefits of doing so: ii 

• Clearer and brighter skin 

• Weight loss 

• Better sleep 

• Healthier liver 

• Improved blood pressure 

• Lower risk of diabetes 

• Enhanced mental health 

• Lower cholesterol levels 

• Boosted immune system 

• Lower risk of preventable cancer 

• More energy  

• Improved memory  

The 13th benefit of avoiding alcohol for these four weeks is better oral health. This is achieved in several ways: 

Improved enamel health 

Alcoholic drinks tend to be acidic and contain a high percentage of sugar, which causes demineralisation of the tooth enamel, decayiii and erosion.iv The risk of all these concerns can therefore be reduced by swapping a glass of wine for a glass of water! 

A brighter smile 

Some alcoholic beverages, like red wine, certain beers and coffee liqueurs, are known to stain the teeth.v Taking a break means that you can restore the whiteness your teeth, giving you something great to smile about! 

Reduced risk of dental trauma  

Alcohol consumption has been linked with a higher risk of dental trauma,vi with people who drink to excess more likely to fall or be involved in a traffic accident.vii No alcohol means fewer incidents, keeping the teeth and gums in one piece! 

Lowered risk of mouth cancer 

Excessive alcohol consumption is one of the leading risk factors for mouth cancer.viii As such, reducing alcohol intake could help to reduce the threat of mouth cancer over time.  

Less bad breath  

Drinking alcoholic beverages every day increases the chances of bad breath,ix so less alcohol means better smelling breath too!  

If you’re giving Dry January a go this year, there are a few things you can do to make it easier. For example, be prepared for situations when alcohol is on offer so you know what you will drink instead – think alcohol-free beer or a mocktail to keep it a little fancy. Tell people that you’re participating in the campaign so they don’t try to tempt you away from your goals. Also, find a new way to relax and unwind on a Friday night, or to reward yourself after a long week at work.  

Whatever your reasons for trying Dry January, it will absolutely be worth it! Your oral health – and your bank account – will thank you for it later. 

i Drinkaware. Mew study find tis the season for peak drinking and hangovers. https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/news/new-study-finds-tis-the-season-for-peak-drinking-and-hangovers#:~:text=The%20research%20from%20Drinkaware%20found,half%20drinks%20on%20Christmas%20Day.

vi Oliveira Filho PM, Jorge KO, Ferreira EF, Ramos-Jorge ML, Tataounoff J, Zarzar PM. Association between dental trauma and alcohol use among adolescents. Dent Traumatol. 2013 Oct;29(5):372-7. doi: 10.1111/edt.12015. Epub 2012 Nov 6. PMID: 23131077. 

ix Suzuki N, Yoneda M, Naito T, Iwamoto T, Yamada K, Hisama K, Okada I, Fukyoka TH. The relationship between alcohol consumption and oral malodour. International Dental Journal. 2009; 59: 31-34