It’s common knowledge that drinking too much alcohol is bad for your health. While you probably already know that this bad habit can cause serious health issues like liver disease and high blood pressure, did you know that it puts your teeth and gums at risk as well? Studies show that heavy drinking can lead to a variety of oral health problems like gum disease, which can cause tooth loss, jawbone deterioration, and more. Here’s everything you need to know about gum disease, how alcohol consumption is linked to it, and what you can do to keep your smile healthy.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a bacterial infection in the gum tissue. It usually develops as a result of poor oral hygiene and plaque buildup. When the oral bacteria initially infect the gums, the tissue becomes inflamed and bleeds easily. This is called gingivitis, and it’s the only stage of gum disease that can be reversed. If left untreated, gingivitis can advance into periodontitis. This severe stage of gum disease indicates that the infection is strong enough to permanently damage the jawbone, destroy soft tissue, and cause tooth loss. As if that weren’t enough, the advanced stages of gum disease are also linked to a higher risk of systemic health conditions like heart disease, memory loss, and arthritis.
Alcohol Consumption & Gum Disease
Recent studies indicate that heavy alcohol consumption has a significant impact on oral health, particularly a person’s risk of gum disease. Researchers report that people who drink more than the recommended daily limit of alcohol had fewer “good” bacteria in their mouths and more “bad” bacteria than nondrinkers. This “bad” bacteria include variants that have already been linked with gum disease, heart disease, and cancer. The more “bad” bacteria in your mouth, the more likely it is to infect your gums and cause serious damage.
Additionally, alcohol consumption slows your body’s natural healing ability and hinders the immune system. This leaves your gum tissue far less capable of fighting off bacteria and infections such as gum disease. On top of all this, alcohol dries the mouth out, which allows bacteria to accumulate and grow very quickly.
How to Prevent Gum Disease
Of course, health and dental experts agree that the best course of action is to limit your alcohol consumption. US health officials recommend no more than one drink a day for women and two a day for men. In conjunction with limiting your alcohol intake, there are a few other simple but important steps you can take to lower your risk of gum disease:
- Brush your teeth for a full two minutes twice a day
- Floss daily and rinse with mouthwash regularly
- Eat a nutritious, low-sugar diet
- Visit your dentist twice a year for routine dental checkups
- Watch out for warning signs of gum disease and take action against them right away
About the Author
Dr. Jeffrey Skupny of Island Coast Dentistry has been caring for the smiles of Naples and the surrounding communities for many years. He is proud to offer a comprehensive menu of services to help keep his patients’ smiles looking and feeling their best, including periodontal therapy. While he always strives to prevent gum disease, he can help you get your gum health back on track with thorough but gentle treatments like scaling and root planning. To learn more about gum disease and how to prevent it, he can be contacted via his website or at (239) 261-5566.