London dentists look at the relationship between alcohol and oral health

We’ve all heard about the negative effects that alcohol consumption can have on our bodies: liver damage, dehydration and various other physical maladies. Rarely, however, do we take the time to think of what alcohol consumption and/or alcohol addiction can have on our oral health. For many of us this can be a damaging thing, as the negative effects of alcohol on oral health are indeed plentiful. Indeed, it can lead to the need for expensive treatment from cosmetic dentists such as dental implants and dentures.

Tooth Decay

You wouldn’t eat candy for every meal of the day because you know what it can do to your teeth. Many are surprised to find that the over-consumption of alcohol can have the same effects. Sugars and acids contained in alcohol bind with the bacteria in the mouth and coat the teeth and oral tissues with an acid. This acid can erode the enamel of the tooth and eventually cause cavities and other damage. One drink isn’t going to hurt; multiple drinks over several hours just may. By not giving your teeth a chance to re-mineralise, you are wreaking havoc on your dental enamel.

Dry Mouth

Alcohol dries your mouth, reducing the salivary output and thus the washing away of harmful bacteria. This interruption of the natural processes of the mouth can speed the formation of erosion and eventual decay of the teeth.

Poor Healing

Persons that consume large amounts of alcohol damage their bodies to the point that healing after accidents or surgeries is impaired. If a person must undergo oral surgery of any type, and is a moderate to heavy drinker, they can expect a less than average response with regards to healing time and success.

Oral Care Compliance

People who face addiction to alcohol and other drugs often neglect their health. The addiction takes prime importance above all else. This lack of regard for maintaining health, particularly oral health, can lead to many forms of disease. Gum, tongue and oral tissue irritation, tooth decay and periodontal disease are all seen more often in those that consume alcohol on a regular basis.

It has been found when studying those persons in treatment for alcohol addiction that a great percentage are missing teeth, have poor oral health conditions such as gum disease in general and/or are at a great risk for developing oral cancers. It is strongly urged that anyone consuming moderate to heavy amounts of alcohol seek help for their addiction in order to restore their overall health.

Posted in: General dentistry
Tags: alcohol and oral health, oral care, oral health, tooth decay
| November 18, 2011 at 1:34 pm | No comment

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