Posted by Think of the negative effects of alcohol and you largely tend to think of its impact on the liver. However, the consumption of alcohol has a far-reaching impact on your oral health as well. Here are only some of the reasons why you need to avoid alcohol consumption or at the very least keep the consumption moderate:
Drying of the mouth
Excess consumption of alcohol leads to reduced production of saliva in the mouth. This is on account for two reasons. The first is that alcohol acts as a diuretic leading to dehydration that also leads to drying of the mouth. Secondly, alcohol tends to irritate mucous in the mouth. In turn, this can impact your salivary glands affecting the production of saliva. With reduced saliva production you tend to face many issues including the excess acids in the mouth that leads to the breakdown of the tooth enamel. Lack of saliva also leads to gum disease as well as tooth decay.
Teeth Staining
Alcoholic beverages such as red wine contain polyphenol that leads to staining of the teeth. When alcoholic drinks are mixed with dark-colored sodas they tend to result in even more discoloration, which may result in need of teeth whitening service. If you must consume these drinks it is advisable to use a straw so that your teeth do not come in direct contact with these drinks.
Tooth Decay
With alcoholic drinks being high in sugar content, the additional disadvantage that you face is that your mouth becomes a thriving ground for bacteria that live on sugar. What you eventually need to deal with, therefore, is the possibility of tooth decay. People who tend to consume alcohol excessively also tend to experience higher plaque levels on their teeth. As per research, therefore, they are three times more likely to experience permanent tooth loss.
Gum Disease
Dry mouth from alcohol is not just harmful for your teeth but also for the gums. In fact plaque from dry mouth impacts the gums and can significantly increase the risk of gum disease. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar which leads to gingivitis. Unless gum disease is treated early, you can face tooth as well as bone loss.
The connection between alcohol & increased periodontal disease is also linked to poor oral hygiene & insufficient dental care.
Bad Breath
Halitosis, or what is commonly known as bad breath is often caused by alcoholism. This is because the consumption of alcohol leads to dry mouth in which bacteria can thrive and among other things cause bad breath.
Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding or what is also known as bruxism seems to increase almost two times for people who drink alcohol as per a 2016 study. This is on two counts. The first is that alcohol consumption leads to dehydration which leads to grinding. Additionally, drinking alcohol before sleeping impacts your sleeping patterns. Light stages of sleep caused by alcohol consumption can often lead to bruxism, which typically takes place during light stages of sleep.
Oral Cancer
Alcohol consumption also puts you at high risk of oral cancer on account of several reasons. The first, that alcohol turns into acetaldehyde in your body. In turn, it damages DNA & does not allow cells to repair the damage. Alcohol consumption is also known to increase the production of some hormones that impact cell growth & division. Last, but definitely least, alcohol is known to affect the cells between your throat & mouth making it that much easier for carcinogens to be absorbed.
Additionally, people who use both alcohol and tobacco are at an especially high risk of contracting oral cancer. This is because these substances interact synergistically and increase each other’s harmful effects. In fact, the dehydrating effect of alcohol on cell walls allows carcinogens to permeate mouth tissues. Also, heavy drinking lowers the body’s ability to use natural antioxidants to prevent cancer.
Signs of oral cancer can include the following:
- Bleeding
- Ulcers
- Swelling
- Patches in the mouth
- Numbness in the mouth or face
- Pain or trouble chewing, talking, or swallowing
Since oral cancers often go unnoticed till they have metastasized & spread, it is important to watch out for these early signs & seek help immediately.
Other damage
Tooth damage that is related to alcohol also occurs, if, for example, you chew on the ice in your drinks. This can impact the tooth enamel. In fact, even excessive squeezing of lemon in your drink can result in erosion of the enamel.
How much alcohol is safe?
It is a given that limiting alcohol consumption can protect your dental health. Just how much alcohol is, therefore, safe to consume?
Overall it is recommended that alcohol consumption does not increase beyond 1-2 drinks per day.
If you do consume alcohol, these are some additional tips that can help keep your mouth healthy:
- Drink in moderation. If at all you have an alcohol addiction you need to get help as it can impact many aspects of your life.
- Drink a lot of water as that can neutralize the acid consumption.
- Remember to brush your teeth twice daily & to floss your teeth.
- It is highly recommended that you undergo frequent dental checkups with your preferred Dentist in Pleasanton or the city you are living in. Regular cleaning of the teeth and removing the build-up of plaque & tartar can go a long way in preserving your dental health.
Pro tip– It is highly advised that you be honest with your dentist about your alcohol consumption levels so that you can be advised accordingly.
Keeping the above ill-effects of alcohol consumption in mind will help you rethink that drink! In turn, it will help you preserve those pearly whites.
Dr. Sharda Patel is a General Dentist at Dental Oasis, Family Dentistry; a graduate of the Tufts University of Dental Medicines. She is a member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and the American Dental Education Association. She is thorough, caring, and dedicated to patient satisfaction and comfort. You may find her reading a paperback on weekends.