Alcoholic beverages are common in a variety of social settings, and indulging can be a fun way to unwind and celebrate. However, overdoing it can adversely affect your oral health, especially if you don’t follow up with proper care and regular trips to the dentist. Below are some of the most significant ways alcohol can affect your mouth.

What Does Alcohol Do to Your Oral Health? 

1. Decreases Saliva Production

Alcohol inhibits the function of salivary glands, which is why your mouth can feel dry after a few drinks. This can become a problem later because saliva has antibacterial properties that fight cavities, neutralize acids, and remineralize your teeth. It’s also your mouth’s first line of defense against diseases and keeps both hard and soft tissues healthy. 

2. Contributes to Enamel Erosion

Alcohol has high acidity levels, meaning it softens enamel and can erode it. These effects are worsened if you consume mixed drinks with juice or soda, both of which are full of sugar and even more acid. Since enamel protects the inner layers of your teeth, erosion contributes to a higher risk of cavities and sensitivity. It allows stains to penetrate deeper into enamel, and you may need your dentist to perform a teeth whitening treatment to get rid of them.

3. Increases the Risk of Oral Cancer 

Alcohol is associated with a heightened risk for several oral cancers, especially varieties that affect the mouth, larynx, throat, and esophagus. The precise cause isn’t clear but seems to be the result of multiple issues, including tissue irritation, changes in DNA, harmful toxins entering cells, and the body’s inability to absorb necessary nutrients.

4. Worsens Periodontal Disease 

Those who drink five or more alcoholic beverages throughout the week have moderately higher instances of bleeding gums during teeth cleaning and more severe detachment of the gum tissue from teeth. These problems allow the disease to penetrate deeper under the gumline, where it can then affect tooth roots. The severity increases directly with the amount of alcohol consumed.

If you’re concerned about how alcohol consumption may be affecting your teeth and gums, seeing the dentist can help you develop a healthier routine. Family First Dentistry in Anchorage, AK, provides compassionate, comprehensive dental services, including professional teeth cleaning, gum disease and cavity treatments, oral cancer screenings, and teeth whitening. Learn more about their services online or by calling (907) 562-2820.