While a cocktail here and there can be a part of a healthy lifestyle, heavy alcohol consumption can impact both your oral and general health. Let's review some of the ways alcohol can affect your oral health.
Alcohol is a diuretic, causing increased urine production and dehydration. Dehydration leads to reduced saliva flow, resulting in a dry mouth. Alcohol can also irritate tissues of the mouth, making symptoms even worse. Symptoms can include a dry or sticky feeling in the mouth, difficulty swallowing, and even a sore throat.
Reduced saliva flow due to alcohol consumption allows bacteria to linger on tooth enamel. High alcohol intake is linked to a higher incidence of tooth decay. Sugary mixers in cocktails can coat teeth, leading to decay over time. Beer, red wine, white wine, and cider contain acid that gradually dissolves enamel, causing sensitivity or pain.
Heavy alcohol consumption weakens the immune system.This is when gum disease can take advantage of this weakening. Gum disease is characterized y bleeding gums, plaque, loss of gum tissue, infection, and bone loss forming pockets around the teeth. Gum disease is associated with higher risks of non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
Alcohol consumption increases the risk of oral cancer. This risk increases even more if those who consume alcohol also smokes tobacco products such as cigarettes.
While alcohol is often consumed during many celebrations, holidays, and special occasions, there are risks to your oral health you should be aware of. If you are concerned about alcohol consumption and how it may be affecting your oral health, it's important to be open and honest with your dental provider. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, visit www.aa.org for more information.