The Dental Damage Of Alcohol Consumption

With more than 80 percent of Australians having consumed alcohol in the past year, there is no denying that alcohol is tightly ingrained within the Australian lifestyle. Not only is alcohol tasty, but it is a social lubricant. However, as well as being the most abused substance, alcohol can also have harmful side effects to the health of our teeth, gums and mouth. Dentist around the country deal with patients struggling with sudden or slow onset dental issues caused by alcohol consumption.

Sugars and acids

Tonics, Juices, alcohols and citrus flavourings, alcohol contains a lot of components that are harmful to your tooth enamel. Alcohol contains a large amount of sugars and acids which may weaken the dental health to the point of leading to tooth decay, gum disease and missing teeth.

Dehydration

Alcohol is a known diuretic, which means that it dehydrates the body. This is not only bad for the liver and kidney’s abilities to filter toxins from the body, but it also reduces the amount of saliva in the oral cavity. Saliva works to break down foods and protects the teeth from bacteria. With reduced saliva bacteria doesn’t get washed away but instead can cling to the enamel which much increases your risk of tooth decay. To avoid this, limit your alcohol consumption and make sure to drink plenty of water between alcoholic drinks.

Tooth, lip and gum injuries

Alcohol is a known substance for lowering inhibition. A surprising number of clients see Australian dentists each year for alcohol-related dental injuries. Be it from involvement in fights, tripping will intoxicated, or cracking or chipping a tooth from opening bottles with their teeth. Not only can drunken accidents crack the teeth which can expose nerves, but they can also cause tears in the lip or gum, which can get infected.

Forgetting to brush teeth

At the end of the night following a series of high-acid high-sugar drinks, many might be too tired or intoxicated to remember to brush their teeth. It is important to remember that drinking, and especially binge drinking (7 drinks for men and 5 drinks for women in a night) is already a strain on your dental health, and that it becomes even more important to brush your teeth to prevent further enamel damage. Not only is waking up with furry teeth incredibly unpleasant, but it also means that you’ve allowed your teeth to be under acid, sugar and bacteria attack the entire time you’ve been sleeping.

Be tooth smart while drinking

While alcohol consumption should be minimised for a healthy mouth, there are tricks for ensuring minimal enamel and gum damage.

• Using a straw can avoid the liquid hitting your teeth at all. While it won’t do much for dehydration, it will keep acids and sugars off your enamel.
• Use dentist approved gums to remove bacteria and acid build-up through the night.
• Reduce the amount of alcohol you drink.
• Don’t open beers with your teeth! It’s not cool, and it will not end well.