Having an alcoholic beverage on occasion will not cause damage to your body or mouth, but if you consume a lot of alcohol regularly, it may affect your oral health. Consuming large amounts of almost any beverage other than water can negatively affect your oral health, but here are some of the oral health consequences you might face if you drink a lot of alcoholic drinks.
Higher Chances of Decay
Depending on what your beverage of choice is, you might be putting your teeth at risk for higher levels of decay. Some alcoholic beverages contain high amounts of sugar. Wine is an example of a drink like this. If you consume a lot of sugary beverages, your risks of cavities increase. If you want to decrease these risks, you should cut back on the sugary beverages you consume.
A second reason your risks for cavities increase is because alcohol affects the moisture levels in your mouth. Alcohol tends to dry out the mouth. People with dry mouth are more likely to develop cavities. The saliva you have present cleans your teeth and mouth. Without enough of it, you may have more bacteria in your mouth, and this will lead to a higher chance of developing decay on your teeth.
Increased Odds of Developing Gum Disease
When you factor in the dryness caused by alcohol and the increased risk of decay, it puts you at risk for an increased chance of developing gum disease. Gum disease forms on the gum lines of your teeth, and it is the result of bacteria seeping in the pockets between the gums and teeth. When your mouth has the right conditions, there is a higher prevalence of gum disease, and consuming alcohol regularly puts your mouth in this situation.
Risks of More Discoloration of Teeth and Enamel Erosion
The last thing to know is that drinking too much alcohol leads to more discoloration of the teeth and higher odds of enamel erosion. Certain drinks, such as red wine, will discolor your teeth, especially if you consume them daily. All alcoholic drinks contain acids. Routinely exposing your teeth to acidic drinks causes the enamel to wear off faster. When you suffer from enamel erosion, your teeth will be more sensitive, and you will have a higher risk of developing cavities and other issues.
Do you want to reduce the effects that alcohol has on your teeth? If so, you should cut back on the amount you drink, and you should visit a dentist for a checkup.
If you are tired of coming down with dental problems, the problem might not be your toothpaste. Instead, it could be your habits tied to your dental care. Aggressive brushers, people who have a tendency to forget, and even people who are flossing improperly could be left with serious dental issues, which is why it really pays to focus on mastering the small things. From moving forward with a better brushing routine to doing what you can to identify and resolve ongoing decay, making your dental health a priority is instrumental in preventing pain and added budgetary strains. Check out this blog to find out more.