You probably know that drinking alcohol impairs your mind and body, but did you know it also damages your smile? In honor of Alcohol Awareness Month, Dr. Bender would like to discuss the dental problems associated with alcohol.
Oral Health Problems Caused by Alcohol
Tooth Decay: Many alcoholic drinks are very concentrated in sugar. The fermenting process converts sugar into alcohol, and some alcoholic concoctions contain added sugar. Your oral bacteria digest these sugars and produce an acid that decays your teeth. To worsen the situation, many people probably won’t remember to brush and floss their teeth after getting intoxicated, so the teeth will soak in bacteria and acid all night long.
Enamel Erosion: The tangy sensation you receive from drinking alcohol is caused by acid. This acidity can wear away your enamel, creating rough pits and grooves on the surface of your teeth. These ridges can trap bacteria and food debris, contributing to decay and discoloration. Additionally, enamel erosion can weaken your teeth and increase your risk of chips, fractures, or sensitivity.
Gum Disease: When alcohol’s sharp acidity burns the soft tissues in your mouth, your gums, tongue, cheeks, and throat may become irritated. Alcohol can corrode your skin and tissues and contribute to swelling and bleeding. In addition, alcohol inhibits saliva production, which allows bacteria to build up and linger along your gum line, causing gum disease and infection.
Dry Mouth: Alcohol decreases the amount of natural saliva in your mouth. Saliva is necessary to moisten, cleanse, and rinse your mouth. A lack of saliva will increase your risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. But be careful—alcoholic beverages aren’t the only culprits. Mouthwashes with high alcohol content can also dry out your mouth.
Oral Cancer: According to the World Health Organization, alcohol consumption raises your risk of mouth, larynx, esophagus, liver, colon, and breast cancers. Alcohol affects the way your tissue cells divide and creates oral lesions in your mouth.
Dr. Bender encourages you to drink responsibly to protect your oral health and your life. Visit Dr. Bender regularly to check for tooth decay, periodontal disease, oral cancer, and other destructive dental problems. Contact Bender Dental Associates in Atlanta at (404) 846-0422 to request an appointment.
Oral Health Problems Caused by Alcohol
Tooth Decay: Many alcoholic drinks are very concentrated in sugar. The fermenting process converts sugar into alcohol, and some alcoholic concoctions contain added sugar. Your oral bacteria digest these sugars and produce an acid that decays your teeth. To worsen the situation, many people probably won’t remember to brush and floss their teeth after getting intoxicated, so the teeth will soak in bacteria and acid all night long.
Enamel Erosion: The tangy sensation you receive from drinking alcohol is caused by acid. This acidity can wear away your enamel, creating rough pits and grooves on the surface of your teeth. These ridges can trap bacteria and food debris, contributing to decay and discoloration. Additionally, enamel erosion can weaken your teeth and increase your risk of chips, fractures, or sensitivity.
Gum Disease: When alcohol’s sharp acidity burns the soft tissues in your mouth, your gums, tongue, cheeks, and throat may become irritated. Alcohol can corrode your skin and tissues and contribute to swelling and bleeding. In addition, alcohol inhibits saliva production, which allows bacteria to build up and linger along your gum line, causing gum disease and infection.
Dry Mouth: Alcohol decreases the amount of natural saliva in your mouth. Saliva is necessary to moisten, cleanse, and rinse your mouth. A lack of saliva will increase your risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. But be careful—alcoholic beverages aren’t the only culprits. Mouthwashes with high alcohol content can also dry out your mouth.
Oral Cancer: According to the World Health Organization, alcohol consumption raises your risk of mouth, larynx, esophagus, liver, colon, and breast cancers. Alcohol affects the way your tissue cells divide and creates oral lesions in your mouth.
Dr. Bender encourages you to drink responsibly to protect your oral health and your life. Visit Dr. Bender regularly to check for tooth decay, periodontal disease, oral cancer, and other destructive dental problems. Contact Bender Dental Associates in Atlanta at (404) 846-0422 to request an appointment.
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