By: Dr. Maria Santos, DMD | Sponsored by Cebu Dental Implants

Manila, Philippines – For many Manileños, the day doesn’t start until that first sip of rich, aromatic coffee. Whether it’s a quick 3-in-1 sachet from the neighborhood sari-sari store or a crafted latte from a trendy café in BGC, coffee is deeply ingrained in Filipino culture. But while that daily cup of joe keeps you energized through Manila’s hectic streets, it might be silently harming your teeth.

(A story that will make you say, "Wow, talaga palang proteksyon ang laway ko!")

Chapter 1: The Silent Guardian

Every day, inside your mouth, a silent superhero works overtime—ang iyong laway (your saliva)! Hindi lang ito basta tubig na walang kwenta. Oh no! It’s a powerful shield against cavities, bad breath, and even deadly bacteria!

Pero paano nga ba?

The Secret Superhero in Your Mouth: How Saliva Protects Your Teeth

Once upon a time, in a bustling city called Toothopolis, there lived tiny, hardworking heroes—saliva droplets—who worked day and night to protect the precious Kingdom of Teeth.

The Mighty Benefits of Saliva

Saliva wasn’t just water in the mouth—it was a powerful shield with amazing abilities:

1. Alcohol Weakens Enamel Temporarily

• Alcoholic beverages, especially acidic ones like wine, beer, and cocktails, can soften tooth enamel due to their low pH.

• Brushing immediately after consuming acidic substances can wear away the weakened enamel, leading to erosion over time.

The Whiskey Grin

Can Daily Whiskey Drinkers Have Healthy Teeth? Dentists Weigh In

Chapter 1: The Daily Dram
Every evening at precisely 7:03 PM, Gerald McAllister would pour himself two fingers of single-malt whiskey—neat, no ice, no nonsense. "For the nerves," he’d say, though his nerves were as steady as a surgeon’s. Gerald wasn’t just a whiskey drinker; he was a connoisseur, a man who believed his nightly ritual polished his personality—and, oddly, his teeth.

If you enjoy an occasional drink, you might wonder: Can beer, whisky, and rum harm my teeth? The answer is yes—alcoholic beverages can affect your oral health, especially if consumed frequently. Since you mentioned drinking three times a week, let’s explore the risks and how to protect your smile.

How Alcohol Affects Your Teeth

Disadvantages of Drinking Alcohol on Teeth

1. Acid Erosion – Beer, whisky, and rum are acidic, weakening enamel over time.

Chapter 1: The First Sting

Mark, a 45-year-old accountant, loved two things: his morning iced coffee and his wife’s scorching-hot chicken soup. But one winter evening, as he took a sip of cold water followed by a spoonful of steaming broth—ZING! A sharp, electric pain shot through his teeth like a lightning bolt.

"What the—?!" He winced, dropping his spoon. His teeth had never betrayed him like this before.

The Effects of Alternating Cold and Hot on Your Teeth

• "Can drinking cold water then hot soup crack teeth?"

• "Why do my teeth hurt when I eat ice cream after coffee?"

As a dental expert with 20 years of experience, I’ve seen many patients damage their teeth by exposing them to extreme temperature changes—like drinking ice-cold water and then immediately eating scalding hot soup. Here’s what happens inside your mouth and why it’s harmful over time.

"The Smile Worth a Thousand Miles"

Chapter 1: The Overseas Grind

Jose "Jojo" Mendoza had spent the last six years working in Dubai as an electrician, sending money back home to his family in Pampanga. The pay was good—far better than anything he could earn in the Philippines—but the cost of living was high, and luxuries like dental care were painfully expensive. A simple tooth extraction in Dubai could cost him a week’s salary, while a crown or implant? Forget it. That was a month’s wages gone.

Fiesta sa amoang lungsod! The streets were alive with music, dancing, and the irresistible aroma of lechon. As a true Cebuano, wa ko kapugong—I grabbed a plate piled high with crispy skin and tender meat. "Lami kaayo!" I exclaimed, not knowing this lechon would haunt my teeth for five days.