From liver damage to high blood pressure, excess drinking is known to cause a wide range of serious internal health problems. But what many may be surprised to learn is that alcohol can also have a highly detrimental effect on dental health as well. If you’re looking for a reason to cut down on your alcohol intake—and keep your dentist happy—here are three oral health problems that drinking can contribute to.  

3 Oral Health Problems Linked to Alcohol

1. Tooth Decay

Certain alcoholic drinks—such as cocktails and beer—contain high amounts of sugar that can contribute to tooth decay. Drinking too much can also cause vomiting, exposing teeth to aggressive stomach acids that eat away at enamel. As a result, poor oral hygiene and excessive drinking can cause cavities that need to be filled by a dentist.

2. Dry Mouth

When the body processes alcohol, it will also remove water through urination. By acting as a diuretic, these adult beverages can lead to dehydration—and in turn—contribute to dry mouth. Without enough saliva, people can have trouble rinsing away food debris and bacteria from the mouth. For this reason, individuals who drink a lot and experience dry mouth are at an increased risk of developing cavities, as well as gum disease.

3. Staining

Many alcoholic beverages—particularly red wine, beer, and fruit cocktails—contain pigments that penetrate tooth enamel. Over time, these pigments will stain the tooth, resulting in a discolored smile. While professional teeth whitening can often correct these stains, reducing alcohol intake can help you maintain a brighter smile.

In addition to avoiding alcohol, one of the best ways to protect your smile is to visit a trusted dentist for routine teeth cleanings and exams. Fortunately, getting this care is easy when you’re a patient of King Campbell, DDS, PLLC. Providing preventive dental care services in Pagosa Springs, CO, this dentist can help reduce your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Campbell can also comfortably provide restorative and cosmetic dentistry services—including tooth replacement and dental crowns. To learn more about these treatment options, visit this clinic online. For appointments, call a friendly team member at (970) 731-2126.