There’s nothing wrong with enjoying an alcoholic beverage every now and then. However, if you’re in the habit of drinking heavily, you could be at risk for a number of health issues – and that includes a number of problems inside your mouth. In particular, alcohol can significantly increase your risk for gum disease; here’s what you need to know about this connection and some steps you can take to protect your oral health.
How Can Alcohol Affect Your Gums?
Alcohol is known to cause dehydration, which can lead to a dry mouth due to the body not being able to produce as much saliva as it normally does. People with dry mouth tend to be at a higher risk for gum disease and other oral health issues; this is because they don’t have enough saliva to wash away bits of food and harmful oral bacteria.
On top of that, drinking too much alcohol can have an adverse effect on your immune system, thus hindering your body’s ability to protect itself against infections. Naturally, this includes gum disease, which is an infection of the soft tissues around your teeth. In fact, periodontitis – an advanced form of gum disease – is considered to be a long-term consequence of heavy alcohol consumption.
Even without gum disease, alcohol can still cause problems for your gums. A study in the Journal of Periodontology found that alcohol users without gum disease were more likely than non-drinkers to suffer from bleeding gums or develop pockets between the gums and teeth.
What Can You Do to Protect Your Gums?
There’s no need to give up alcohol altogether, but you also shouldn’t ignore the impact it can have on your gum health. As such, if you want to keep your risk for gum disease to a minimum, it’s recommended that you follow these steps:
- Keep your alcohol consumption moderate; this comes out to one drink a day for women and two or fewer drinks a day for men.
- When you’re done with your drink, follow it up by sipping some water to keep yourself hydrated.
- Remember to brush and floss thoroughly. It’s best to wait at least 30 minutes after drinking to brush your teeth since acidic beverages can soften the enamel.
By taking the right precautions, you should be able to continue to enjoy alcohol while also maintaining a healthy smile. If you do notice any symptoms that could point to gum disease, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible so that you can get the treatment you need.
About the Author
Dr. Shauna Soltani went to the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, and she is currently affiliated with the Colorado Dental Association as well as other organizations. She offers scaling and root planing, laser periodontal therapy, and antibiotic therapy as solutions for patients who are struggling with gum disease. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Soltani at Paradise Dentistry & Orthodontics in Denver, visit her website or call (720) 608-7770.
