In your quest for the best oral health, you are eager to practice the best habits to ensure your wellness. Your dentist in Norman says there are some behaviors that could derail your efforts, though, if allowed to get out of control, one being excessive alcohol consumption. As you continue reading, you’ll learn how this can adversely affect your oral health.
What’s the Problem with Drinking Alcohol?
The problem that alcohol presents is that it causes an imbalance in the bacteria in your mouth and leaves you more susceptible to a variety of diseases. This is verified in a recent study that found that people who consume one or more alcoholic beverages a day (considered to be heavy drinkers) experience a disruption in the natural development of oral microbes and can develop gum disease (periodontitis) or even more serious problems like heart disease.
The Effects of Sugar in Alcohol
Another problem with alcohol is that it has a high sugar content, and the latter is the most desired food source of bacteria. Thus, when you drink excessively, your mouth is flooded with high glycemic sugars (sugars that break down rapidly) that are readily available for bacteria to feed on.
Some of the problems that can arise from excessive alcohol consumption and bacteria growth are:
- Tooth Decay – Because bacteria love the sugars in alcohol and flock to them, your teeth are vulnerable to decay, as the acids seek to bore through your enamel.
- Periodontitis – Untreated bacteria growth can also lead to gingivitis and eventually periodontitis, which is acute inflammation and infection of the gums.
- Gum Recession – The chain reaction of events continues with gum recession, which is what happens when bacteria get beneath the gumline and cause the tissue to withdraw from your teeth, leaving them susceptible to falling out.
- Greater Susceptibility to Oral Cancer – Wherever there is an infection, there will be inflammation, which can contribute to the development of oral cancer.
Thankfully, you’re not alone in this battle.
How Your Dentist Can Help
It’s important to maintain semi-annual visits with your dentist for cleanings and checkups. If you’re a heavy drinker, it’s a good idea to attend with more frequency to make sure that no problems are developing and if some are, to receive treatment in a timely manner.
To learn more about how your dentist can help you achieve better oral care, reach out to schedule an appointment today.
About the Author
Since earning his dental degree, Dr. Bobby J. Carmen has been delivering expert and compassionate care to his patients. In his postgraduate capacity, he has also sought to expand his knowledge by receiving advanced postgraduate training from some of the leading minds in dentistry. Additionally, Dr. Carmen maintains memberships in several professional organizations, which helps him stay abreast of the latest changes in the dental field. He can be reached for more information through his website.