Even though I didn’t grow up in Fort Collins, I’m proud to call this beautiful city my home. There’s so much to see and do! Whether it’s taking in a concert at Mishawaka Amphitheatre, attending an Italian cooking class at Farm Fusion, or strolling through the latest exhibits at the Gregory Allicar Museum of Art, there’s never a dull moment.
And either before or after one of the many activities Fort Collins has to offer, swinging by a local brewery for a delicious craft beer is a great way to spend time with friends or family and recount the events of the day.
But even though craft beers are delicious, they can wreak havoc on your teeth if you aren’t careful. Fortunately, there are some ways to enjoy all the breweries in Fort Collins without sacrificing your oral health.
The Sip-and-Rinse Rule
The truth is that craft beer contains carbohydrates and acids, so when you visit Breckenridge Brewery for bingo night or Gilded Goat Brewing for their monthly cribbage tournament, you should know that these carbohydrates and acids feed the harmful bacteria in your mouth.
I recommend the sip-and-rinse rule to my patients, friends, and family, not only because it cleanses your palate and helps you avoid too much hoppy bitterness or lingering malt flavor, but for the oral health benefits as well:
Protects Tooth Enamel
Many craft beers, especially darker stouts, sour ales, or any that are brewed with fruit, contain high acid levels. When this acid touches your teeth, it softens the enamel, and this can lead to damaged enamel, sensitivity, tooth decay, or other dental issues. Rinsing your mouth with water dilutes the acid and neutralizes your mouth’s pH level. It may seem like brushing your teeth is a better way to go, but brushing too soon after consuming acidic beer can be harmful to your teeth.
Reduces Cavity Risk
Craft beers contain leftover sugars from the brewing process, and these fermented carbohydrates feed on cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth. That’s why I recommend taking sips of water while enjoying a craft beer; rinsing your mouth removes the sticky sugars and starches from your teeth. When you do this, you can greatly decrease your chances of tooth decay.
Fights Dehydration
Drinking beer or other alcoholic beverages can reduce your saliva flow and cause dry mouth. And because saliva is your body’s natural defense against plaque and bacteria buildup, sipping on water can keep your mouth hydrated and encourage saliva production. I always make sure to have a glass of water next to my favorite brewery beverage, and I recommend it to my patients!
A Wide Range of Services for Your Entire Family
My dental team works hard every day to ensure you and your loved ones receive quality care in a comfortable, caring environment. We understand that going to the dentist isn’t anyone’s favorite thing to do, so we do whatever we can to make you feel at home.
We offer all the services your family needs in one convenient location, and we have patients from many local businesses and local schools, including Hewlett-Packard, Avago, Intel, Broadcom, PVHS hospital, Poudre School District, Colorado State University, Front Range Community College, New Belgium Brewery, Otter Box, Budweiser Brewery, USDA, Tolmar, and Woodward Governor.
Some of our services include:
- Tooth-colored fillings
- Cleanings and exams
- Periodontal treatment
- Dental crowns and bridges
- Dental implant placement and restoration
- Root canal therapy
- Tooth extractions
- Emergency dental care
- TMJ pain relief and treatment
- Cosmetic dentistry
- Teeth whitening
- Snoring treatment
New Patient Special
I’m currently offering a new patient special that includes a comprehensive exam, professional cleaning, and x-rays for only $89. I realize it’s difficult to take the first step toward improved oral health, especially if you haven’t been to the dentist for a long time. And I often hear patients say that dental anxiety kept them from going to the dentist.
I recommend a routine dental visit every six months; that way, I can assess your oral health and take care of any issues before they worsen. Preventive visits are the best way to maintain a healthy mouth and avoid more costly or invasive treatments.
To learn more about this special, just give me a call!
Quality Dental Care in Fort Collins and Beyond
If you need a Fort Collins dentist, I hope you’ll contact my office for an appointment. My team and I pride ourselves on helping every patient achieve a healthy, happy smile. We’re currently accepting new families, so if you live in Fort Collins, Loveland, Laporte, Timnath, Wellington, or Red Feather and you’re looking for a new dental home, you’ve come to the right place!
Please feel free to reach out to my office at (970) 223-5393 for more information or to schedule a visit.
I can’t wait to hear from you!