While you’re likely already aware that alcohol can have a negative impact on the overall health of your body, you may not realize how it can specifically affect your mouth. The fact of the matter is that drinking a lot of alcohol could potentially increase your risk of developing gum disease. Here’s a closer look at this connection as well as the steps you can take to protect your smile.
Alcohol and Gum Disease
One of the side effects of alcohol is that it causes your body to produce more urine. This can lead to dehydration, which results in less saliva being produced than usual. Saliva plays an important role in protecting your mouth from the harmful bacteria that cause gum disease. Thus, if your body isn’t making enough saliva, your chances of developing gum disease will go up.
On top of that, alcohol is known to weaken the immune system. Consequently, your body will have a harder time protecting itself from infections of any kind – and this naturally includes gum disease.
Furthermore, there’s evidence that excessive drinking could potentially make already existing gum disease worse. A study published in the Journal of Periodontology in 2015 found that when it came to alcohol users with periodontitis (the advanced form of gum disease), the frequency of alcohol consumption was correlated to the severity of the condition.
How to Minimize the Impact Alcohol Has On Your Gums
If you want to protect your mouth from gum disease, it’s essential to be mindful of how much alcohol you consume on a regular basis. You don’t need to give up drinking altogether, but you should limit the number of alcoholic beverages you have. In general, one drink per day for women and two or fewer drinks per day for men is considered to be moderate alcohol consumption.
On top of that, it’s a good idea to take a sip of water in between drinks. This will help combat the dehydrating effects of alcohol so that your mouth can continue producing the required amount of saliva. It will also have the side benefit of rinsing away harmful bacteria.
Finally, you should make a point of balancing out your alcohol consumption with excellent oral hygiene. When you’re done drinking, remember to brush your teeth thoroughly while paying close attention to the gumline; be sure to floss as well. It can also be helpful to use an antibacterial mouthwash.
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a refreshing alcoholic beverage every once in a while, but it’s important to be aware of the effect that such beverages can have on your gum health so that you can take the appropriate precautions.
About the Author
Dr. Naveen Karim is a knowledgeable periodontist who earned her doctorate at Baylor College of Dentistry. At Denton Dental Center, she is proud to be able to offer solutions for saving her patients’ teeth, including various forms of gum disease treatment. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Karim, visit her website or call (940) 383-3300.