April is Alcohol Awareness Month, which aims to educate people about the effects of alcohol abuse and steer people away from drinking too much. Alcoholism significantly increases the risk of injuries, drowning, violence, liver disease, and some types of cancer.

Alcohol and Teeth

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Moderate alcohol consumption is common worldwide and is considered by some to be part of a healthy lifestyle. However, when drinking becomes excessive, it will have problematic short-term and long-term effects on a person’s body. Too much alcohol can impact many aspects of your health, including brain function and blood sugar levels.

Excessive drinking also influences the health of the mouth, gums, and teeth. Heavy drinkers usually complain of having tooth decay, gum disease, and mouth sores. Alcohol abuse is the second highest risk factor for oral cancer.

People who drink alcohol excessively tend to have higher levels of dental plaque. They are three times more likely to experience permanent tooth loss than non-drinkers.

Even moderate alcohol drinking has unwelcome effects. The acid in alcohol tends to stain the enamel of the teeth. People who have the habit of mixing alcoholic beverages with dark sodas and those who are fond of drinking red wine will eventually end up with stained teeth. The sugar content in soda that is used in alcoholic drink mixes can also lead to tooth decay.Beer drinkers are no better off than drinkers of spirits and wine. Beer is also acidic. The dark barley used in the manufacture of beer can stain the teeth.

Drinking alcohol results in a dry mouth. When your mouth is dry, bacteria thrive. If you do drink alcohol in moderation, make sure that you accompany your intake with plenty of water.

If your teeth decay, you could be faced with a missing tooth. In that case, you should talk with your periodontist about replacing teeth. If you have a drinking problem, get help to avoid complications with many aspects of your health.