Lifestyle |1 min read

How Excessive Drinking Can Affect Oral Health

Wine glass with red wine in it, placed on a table

There are plenty of health risks associated with drinking alcohol in excess, but one of the major health factors commonly overlooked when it comes to alcohol consumption is dental and oral health.

While having a few glasses of red wine throughout the week may have a beneficial impact of your health, other alcoholic beverages don’t typically hold up to medical scrutiny. Cocktails with high volumes of sugar can have a devastating impact of your oral health, as sugar feeds bacteria in the mouth and allows harmful acids to eat away at your enamel. Long-term intake of sugary beverages (included soft drinks and sports drinks) can also lead to the development of cavities.

According to the American Dental Association, alcohol consumption can also lead to dehydration and dry mouth, which limits the amount of saliva in their mouth over a longer period of time. This can lead to tooth decay, oral infections, gum disease, and even mouth cancer.

Furthermore, drinking alcohol in excess can also weaken your body’s immune system, leaving you at greater risk for illness and disease as well as limiting your body’s ability to create antioxidants to fight infections and other diseases.

However, despite the risks associated with drinking alcohol, drinking in moderation will likely have little to no effect on your body’s overall health. Keeping up with regular and thorough dental hygiene habits is also a great way to prevent oral health issues from developing in the future.

To learn more about ways to improve your oral health or to schedule an appointment with a dental practitioner, contact Avila Dental in Seattle today!

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