Three in 10 adults drink at levels that put them at risk for developing alcoholism (pdf), liver disease and other problems. Approximately 18 million people in the U.S. suffer from the disease of alcoholism.

Scary, right?

If you are among the millions of Americans who drink regularly, a great way to start (or stop) is small. Make a commitment to yourself to reduce your drinking by one less a week and you’ll see some benefits.

Less exposure to acids: Excessive intake of alcohol exposes teeth to acids that corrode the tooth enamel, leading to cavities. Reducing consumption will reduce this risk.

Reduced sugar intake: Heavy wine drinkers and those in the habit of mixing liquor with soda are especially prone to tooth decay and plaque. Reducing intake can reduce the sugar attack on your teeth.

No more dry mouth: Alcohol dries out the mouth as it impedes saliva production. Saliva is like a tooth bath. It washes plaque and bacteria away from the teeth. Drinking less alcohol will ensure that your mouth does not dry out so often, keeping tooth decay at bay.

Better recovery after a dental surgery: Heavy drinkers suffer slower recovery after dental surgery. Get smart and resist the temptation to hit the bottle, so that your road to recovery can be quicker.

Reduce the risk of oral cancer: Excessive consumption of alcohol significantly raises the risk of oral cancer. Isn’t that enough reason to slow down?

Take control of your oral health again. Go slow on the spirits.