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, decay[iii] 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 of 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 lower the risk of developing mouth cancer over time. Understanding the warning signs is equally important, so take a look at our mouth cancer awareness post.

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