Is alcohol bad for your teeth? With dry January starting for many people, there has been a lot of chatter lately about how alcohol can negatively affect your health. Here’s what we know in regards to alcohol and oral health.
How Is Alcohol Bad for Your Teeth?
Alcohol and Tooth Decay
Many common alcoholic beverages are acidic. Drinking wine, beer, and cocktails that have a high acidity can weaken tooth enamel, which can make you more susceptible to tooth decay. This can also lead to tooth sensitivity and discoloration as well. Drinking these beverages in excess can put you more at risk for these symptoms.
Increased Gum Disease Risk
Unfortunately, drinking alcohol increases your risk of gum disease as it can irritate and inflame gum tissue. People you drink in excess are at higher risk of developing periodontal disease. To combat this, make sure you are brushing and flossing regularly.
Alcohol Can Lead to Bad Breath
When you drink alcohol, dehydration and dry mouth are common, which are causes of bad breath. If you’re drinking alcohol regularly, you may be more at risk for chronic bad breath. Dry mouth also creates an ideal environment for bacteria growth to thrive, which can increase your risk of cavities.
Increased Risk of Oral Cancer
Heavy drinking increases your risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, and esophagus. This is because drinking alcohol can irritate the mucous membranes in your mouth and throat, which will make them more susceptible to cell changes. Alcohol also leads to more inflammation in your mouth and weakens your immune system.
Poor Oral Hygiene Habits
Lastly, drinking is well-known to impair your judgment. People who drink in excess are more likely to neglect important oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing regularly.
Conclusion
So, is alcohol bad for your teeth? If you’re going to drink alcohol, moderation is key. It’s true that alcohol can negatively impact your oral health, but when done in moderation, you’re less likely to experience these negative side effects.
About Krengel Dental
At Krengel Dental, we’re not your average dentist. We do everything we can to help your smile shine. If you’re looking for a dentist in the Twin Cities, we would love to help you at one of our metro locations. Visit our contact page to book an appointment with us.
