Can
what you drink affect your teeth? Even though sugary drinks, acidic
sodas, and staining coffee are common adversaries when it comes to
your dental health, alcohol is another beverage that can seriously
impact your smile. If you drink more than the occasional cocktail,
take a look at the how alcohol can affect your healthy mouth.
Gum
Disease
While
mild alcohol consumption isn't likely to negatively affect your gums,
research points to the serious impact heavier drinking can have. In a
2015 article,
published in the Journal
of Periodontology,
researchers found a connection between alcohol dependence and
decreased periodontal status.
Another study,
published in the journal Microbiome,
also found that alcohol can impact overall mouth health. Researchers
looked at the bacterial composition of more than 1,000 American
adult's mouths. The study found that alcohol consumption, especially
heavy drinking, could influence the mouth's microbiome. This could
negatively impact gum health and play a role in the development of
gingivitis.
Dental
Decay
Not only can alcohol
contribute or speed up gum disease, but it can also lead to dental
decay. Like with periodontal disease, alcohol-induced dry mouth can
also increase the risks of cavity development. This happens because
your mouth won’t have as much saliva, and saliva serves a purpose
in your mouth. It washes away invading microorganisms and keeps the
good and bad bacteria in check.
Without
saliva to bathe your teeth, plaque can build up, bacteria can breed,
and the resulting acids can erode your enamel and cause decay. If you
regularly mix fruit juices or soda with alcohol, you may add to this
issue.
These
high-sugar, high-acid beverages can increase plaque buildup and
enamel erosion. Combined with a dry mouth and the other effects of
alcohol, cocktails or mixed drinks can cause cavities because the
bacteria in your mouth feeds off sugary substances. The addition of
sugary mix-ins provides the sugar content the bacteria needs. The
acidic byproduct wears down your teeth and leaves them vulnerable to
decay.
Stained
Teeth
What
color wine or liquor do you drink? If it’s a dark color, you should
know that dark beverages can stain your teeth. Likewise, drinks with
high tannin content, such as red wine, can also cause staining. Even
though this isn't a painful medical issue, it can impact your
self-esteem or make you want to clench your lips together every time
you're about to smile.
Some
alcohol-related stains are temporary, while others are long-term
problems. One glass of red wine isn't likely to ruin your teeth. But
it can leave behind a purple or pink hue, especially in small ridges
or pits in your teeth. To avoid this issue, either stay away from
reds or brush your teeth soon after drinking.
Long-term
alcohol consumption may cause a more permanent problem. Over time the
stains can bind on to your teeth. With proper brushing it's possible
to manage this issue. If you don't brush regularly or care for your
teeth in other ways (such as swishing with mouthwash or flossing),
you may need professional help to whiten your smile or remove the
stains.
Like
with dental decay, what you mix alcohol with can also affect your
pearly white smile. Dark soda, some types of juice, and heavy or
colorful syrups (such as grenadine), can also stain your teeth. These
add-ins also require immediate dental care to brush or wash the
stains away.
Do
you have concerns about alcohol use and your dental health? Even
though alcohol overuse can lead to gum disease and dental decay, you
can reduce the risks and correct existing issues. Contact the office
of Michael
G. Landy DDS for
more information.
