The Negative Impact of Drinking Alcohol on Your Oral Heath

Alcohol affects your oral health in many ways. Typically, we think of other organs being harmed by alcohol, such as the liver. But your oral health is also affected by alcohol. According to the American Dental Association, in ADANews “Effects of alcohol consumption on oral health,” alcohol consumption may increase the risk of periodontal disease by adversely impacting periodontal tissue.

In this article, your Fuquay-Varina dentists at Hamby Family Dental Center discuss different ways that alcohol can affect your oral health.

Truth: Alcohol Negatively Impacts Your Oral Health

Alcohol harms oral health by causing dry mouth, increasing tooth decay and cavities from sugar content, promoting gum disease due to a weakened immune system and inflammation, and increasing the risk of oral cancer. Additionally, alcohol contributes to tooth erosion from acidic beverages or vomiting, can stain teeth, and impair motor skills, leading to dental injuries.

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

Alcohol is a diuretic, which increases urination and can lead to dehydration. This reduces saliva production, causing a dry mouth. Saliva is crucial for maintaining oral health because it helps wash away food particles, neutralize acids, and prevent bacterial overgrowth. With less saliva, bacteria thrive, which increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

• Reduced Saliva: Alcohol is a dehydrating agent that reduces saliva production, which is crucial for washing away food and neutralizing acids.
• Increased Bacteria: Without sufficient saliva, harmful bacteria and plaque thrive, leading to an increased risk of cavities and gum disease.

Tooth Decay, Cavities, and Erosion

Many alcoholic beverages, especially wine, beer, and cider, are acidic and can erode tooth enamel. This softens the tooth’s outer surface, leading to sensitivity, discoloration, and an increased risk of decay. Additionally, cocktails and mixed drinks often contain high levels of sugar, which feeds the bacteria in plaque. These bacteria then produce acids that break down enamel, causing cavities.

• Sugar Content: Many alcoholic drinks contain high levels of sugar, which feeds oral bacteria, causing them to produce acids that demineralize tooth enamel.
• Acidic Drinks: The acidity in some alcoholic beverages, like wine, can also wear away tooth enamel over time.
• Vomiting: In cases of heavy drinking, vomiting can expose teeth to highly corrosive stomach acids, further eroding enamel.

Gum Disease

Excessive alcohol consumption can weaken the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight off infections, including gum infections. Chronic alcohol use can alter the balance of bacteria in the mouth, favoring harmful types that cause gingivitis (gum inflammation). In addition, in heavy drinkers, gum disease can become more severe, potentially leading to receding gums, bone damage, and tooth loss. Avoiding gum disease is crucial in maintaining good oral health.

• Weakened Immune System: Alcohol consumption can weaken the immune system, making it harder to fight off the infections that cause gingivitis and periodontitis.
• Inflammation: It can also cause inflammation in the soft tissues of the mouth, leading to receding gums and potential bone damage.

Oral Cancer

Excessive alcohol consumption is a major risk factor for oral, throat, and tongue cancers. The risk is particularly high when heavy drinking is combined with tobacco use. Alcohol may also increase the permeability of the oral mucosa, allowing other carcinogens to penetrate more easily.

• Cancer-Causing Metabolite: The body metabolizes alcohol into acetaldehyde, a known carcinogen.
• Increased Risk: Excessive alcohol use, especially when combined with tobacco use, significantly increases the risk of developing oral cancer.

Other Effects

• Tooth Staining: Dark-colored alcoholic beverages like red wine and certain beers can stain tooth enamel.
• Dental Injuries: Alcohol-induced impairment of motor skills can lead to falls and dental trauma, such as fractured teeth or jaw injuries.

How to Minimize the Harm of Alcohol on Your Oral Health

While reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption is the best way to prevent damage, several strategies can help minimize its negative effects on oral health:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water between alcoholic beverages to counteract dehydration and stimulate saliva flow.
• Rinse with Water: After drinking, rinse your mouth with water to wash away acids and sugars. Wait at least 30 minutes before brushing to avoid scrubbing acids into your enamel.
• Chew Sugar-Free Gum: This can help increase saliva production after drinking.
• Prioritize Hygiene: Maintain a regular and thorough oral hygiene routine that includes brushing twice a day and flossing daily.
• See Your Dentist: Schedule regular dental checkups and be transparent with your dentist about your alcohol consumption. They can screen for early signs of oral cancer or other damage.

Contact Hamby Family Dental Center Today to Maintain Your Oral Health

Hamby Family Dental Center is committed to your oral health. We can discuss options for your concerns. We are accepting new patients. Contact us today at 919-552-2431 or complete the form below to request an appointment.