The Effects of Alcohol on Oral Health

For most people, occasional consumption of alcohol is part of a social lifestyle. However, alcohol isn’t considered to be generally healthy. Whether you drink mixed drinks, beer, champagne or wine, you should know that alcohol negatively affects your oral health.

According to Oral Cancer Foundation, alcohol abuse is the second most common risk factor of oral cancer. Alcohol can make your oral cavity dry. This drying effect of alcohol on cell walls enhances the ability of carcinogens from tobacco to enter the mouth tissues. Liver cirrhosis from alcohol abuse is also another risk factor for oral cancer. Therefore, if you love your teeth, gums and the rest of your oral cavity, you will quit drinking alcohol.

Apart from a higher risk of having oral cancer, alcohol can also stain your teeth due to its acidic content. Alcohol is high in acid that can also lead to enamel erosion. As mentioned, alcohol has a drying effect on the mouth. When your mouth is dry, you are also prone to have halitosis or bad breath. Furthermore, heavy alcohol drinking can cause vomiting. Vomiting can irritate your oral mucosa, which can lead to damaged teeth. Some alcohol drinks are high in sugar too. Sugar is one of the major risks of having tooth decay.

Here at Dr. Sidarous and Associates, we advise our patients to avoid drinking alcohol to prevent oral problems from happening. If alcohol is consumed, limit the amount and frequency. If you have more questions on alcohol consumption and its effects on oral health, contact our dental team in Saint-Laurent, Quebec.

– Dr. Sidarous & Associates Team