A healthy mouth and a healthy smile are precious assets. That makes good oral health and dental care very important. So, how does alcohol affect your teeth?
Understand The Importance of Good Oral Health
It has been said that oral health is a window to an individual’s overall health. A study conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services called “Healthy People 2020” indicated that oral health was one of 10 leading health indicators among the factors of cancer, HIV, heart disease, access to health services, and nutrition. A person’s oral health can have a major impact on quality of life, overall health, and medical costs.
Research has shown that people with gum disease are more likely to develop diabetes. Keeping one’s teeth and gums healthy is also more likely to reduce the risk of dementia and some types of cancers, especially in women. There is also a clear connection between oral health and Alzheimer’s. Poor oral health can lead to endocarditis, cardiovascular disease, and pneumonia.
Pregnant women who have healthy gums are about three times less likely to have a premature baby.
Tooth staining can come with smoking and drinking lots of tea, coffee, or red wine, affecting a person’s appearance and eroding confidence. Can alcohol affect your teeth? The answer is yes.
How Does Alcohol Affect Your Teeth?
Occasional moderate alcohol consumption is part of the lifestyle of many Americans. However, heavy alcohol consumption can affect a person’s mouth, blood sugar, and the health of their brain and liver.
Alcohol can cause dry mouth because it is a diuretic, causing the body to produce more urine, which can lead to dehydration. With a dry mouth, there is less saliva to wash bacteria off one’s tooth enamel, resulting in a higher incidence of tooth decay and potential tooth loss.
Heavy alcohol consumption can weaken a person’s immune system, so the body has a harder time fighting off gum disease. Gum disease has been linked to higher incidences of stroke, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Many alcoholic beverages have high levels of sugar and acids, resulting in an increased incidence of tooth decay and cavities.
Heavy alcohol consumption over time has been linked to higher risks of oral cancer.
Good Dental Care Practices
Here are some good dental care practices:
- Brush regularly using a toothbrush that has soft bristles. Brushing twice a day is the best practice.
- Floss once a day.
- Do not smoke.
- Limit sugary foods and starches.
- Drink water instead of sugary drinks.
- Remember how alcohol affects your teeth. So, be wise in the use of alcoholic beverages.
- Consider using a mouthwash.
- See a dentist every six months for check-ups and professional cleaning.
Seek Professional Dental Care
Contact Old Mt. Pleasant Dentistry, located right off Ben Sawyer Blvd. in Mt. Pleasant, S.C., for dental care you can trust. We use practical treatment plans and the most advanced technology. We offer routine dental care and procedures, including extractions and root canals. To us, the patient is the most important person in the office.