Could alcohol be negatively impacting your teeth and oral health? Unbeknownst to many people, alcohol can very well cause a variety of oral health issues. If you’re going to consume alcohol, do so responsibly and make sure you’re aware of the many ways that it can impact your life. Perhaps the information that you learn will make you think twice about sipping that next glass of wine or maybe you won’t mind. Nonetheless, it is important to have this information in mind to consider.
Oral Cancer Risks
People who consume alcoholic beverages are at a greater risk for oral cancer than non-drinkers. The American Cancer Society reports that drinkers have a 6x higher risk of developing oral cancer than others. Alcohol is the primary cause of liver cancer to make matters worse.
Teeth Staining
Depending on the type of alcohol you consume, tooth staining is a concern that you might endure. Darker colored alcohols are especially dangerous for tooth staining. It is best to drink water after consuming alcohol to reduce the risk of staining, though there is no 100% fool-proof way to stop staining.
Periodontal Trouble
A 2015 study titled Alcohol Consumption and Periodontitis: Quantification of Periodontal Pathogens and Cytokines,” suggest that drinking alcohol can aggravate periodontal disease and cause swollen gums and other oral health issues.
Dehydration
Alcohol has many side effects. One of those is dehydration. The more alcohol you consume, the more dehydrated you become. When you are dehydrated, you produce less saliva. This means that bacteria and germs cling to the enamel of the teeth, increasing the risk of tooth decay and other oral health concerns. Saliva helps wash these particles from the teeth so your teeth aren’t as susceptible to many of the same damages and risks. Remember to drink water after you consume alcohol to minimize dehydration and to replenish salvia!
Does This Mean You Should Avoid Alcohol?
Many adults enjoy drinking an alcoholic beverage to relax after a long day at work or during a social event. Yet, no one wants to impact their oral health in a negative manner.
So, with this newfound information concerning the many possible adverse impacts alcohol has on your teeth, does this mean you should put these activities on hold? Not at all. Drinking alcohol in moderation and following the advice provided above should be adequate to help you enjoy a drink or two without severely impacting your oral health. Moderation is key, as well as regular maintenance visits for dental cleanings with your friendly neighborhood dentist at Miracle Smile!