A night out with friends usually means catching up over a few drinks, having a laugh, and unwinding a bit.
Finding information about how alcohol consumption affects the body is easy but is often overlooked when assessing oral health. Alcohol consumption plays a role in your oral health and is the reason your dentist in Pascoe Vale, VIC may include it in your medical history.
Increased Risk of Periodontal Disease
Alcohol dehydrates gum tissue, just as it dehydrates the body. Chronic dry mouth reduces saliva production, which is the body’s defence mechanism against decay and periodontal disease. Decreased saliva production also leads to halitosis or bad breath.
When drinking, it is a good idea to include plenty of water between cocktails. This will help your body stay hydrated and may curb your consumption.
While research has indicated a link between gum disease and alcohol, more information is needed to identify the actual cause-effect relationship.
Premature Wear to Teeth
Bruxism, or clenching and grinding of the teeth, is often exacerbated by alcohol use. Alcohol drinks may also contain more acid, which erodes enamel.
Increased Risk of Oral Cancer
Both tobacco use and alcohol increase oral cancer risk significantly, especially when combined. Heavy drinkers are more likely to develop oral cancer, a particularly difficult cancer to treat. Oral cancer survival rates are improved with early detection, which is why we complete an oral cancer screening during exams.
Precancerous lesions can develop in the mouth, on the tongue, lips, or gums and at the back of the throat. Dentists receive in-depth training to identify cancer lesions and will make a recommendation for a biopsy if something suspicious appears.
If you are searching for a dentist in Pascoe Vale, VIC to educate and inform without judgment, we welcome you to contact Lumino Smiles.