With Christmas just a few days away and New Year’s Eve around the bend, you may be planning to enjoy a few alcoholic beverages. While that champagne toast is unlikely to do significant damage, it is important to understand the way that alcohol impacts your oral health. Your Lombard dental office encourages moderate drinking this holiday season, as well as preventive dentistry to reduce the damage caused by alcohol.
Dr. Julie Glud is deeply committed to her patients’ overall wellness. She knows that oral, physical, and mental health are all interrelated. At Dental Care of Lombard, she and her team work tirelessly to treat the whole person, collaborating with other health professionals when appropriate.
To learn more about oral systemic health or to schedule an appointment, contact our Lombard, IL, dental office today.
Alcohol Consumption
Moderate alcohol consumption is not typically considered detrimental to your health. However, heavy drinking is associated with numerous health risks, as well as violence, car accidents, mental health problems, and difficulties with interpersonal relationships.
That is why the CDC recommends that men drink no more than two drinks per day and that women drink no more than one drink per day.
Alcohol and Periodontal Disease
Even moderate drinkers could face a higher risk for gum disease. This is because alcohol dries out the mouth, evaporating the saliva that helps to wash away oral bacteria.
If you do choose to drink alcohol, be sure to drink water at the same time. Not only will this help to counteract the effects of alcohol in your bloodstream; it will also help to keep your mouth moist.
Alcohol and Tooth Discoloration
Many alcoholic beverages are high in acidity. Wine is particularly notorious for its high acid content, but beer is only slightly better. While spirits are not very acidic, mixers like soda are. The problem with acid is that it erodes tooth enamel. This exposes the underlying layer of tissue called dentin, which is more porous, allowing stain-producing molecules to attach more readily.
Though lauded for its cardiovascular health benefits, red wine is a top cause of dental staining. Along with its acidity, it also contains heavily pigmented molecules, which cling to teeth. This doesn’t mean that you can’t indulge in your favorite Cabernet. But, as with all alcohol consumption, do so in moderation. And if you find that your smile is not as bright as it used to be, you may want to consider teeth whitening.
Heavy Drinking and Oral Cancer
Sadly, heavy drinking is a leading risk factor for oral cancer. In fact, an estimated 30% of oral cancer cases worldwide are attributable to heavy drinking. Further, heavy drinkers are five times more likely to develop oral cancer than moderate or non-drinkers.
If you struggle to control the amount of alcohol you consume, seek help from your doctor or someone you trust. Once you are on the path to recovery, you may also want to visit your dental office for an exam and oral cancer screening.
Contact Your Lombard Dental Office Today
Even if you are a moderate or occasional drinker, take steps to protect your smile. Contact Dental Care of Lombard today to schedule your preventive exam and cleaning.
You can complete our online contact form or call us at 630-629-5700.
