Not only can alcohol contribute or speed up gum disease, but it can also lead to dental decay. Like with periodontal disease, alcohol-induced dry mouth can also increase the risks of cavity development. This happens because your mouth won't have as much saliva, and saliva serves a purpose in your mouth.
Long-term alcohol abuse can lead to a number of oral health issues including: Gum disease. Tooth decay. Dry mouth.
Alcohol dries out the mouth and, when saliva flow is reduced, the risk for tooth decay and gum disease increases. This is because saliva plays an important role in oral health, helping wash away bacteria. When you have dry mouth or are dehydrated, bacteria clings to the enamel and increases your risk of tooth decay.
Alcohol abuse can cause a wide range of problems with the throat, including persistent sore throat, hoarseness, throat clearing, laryngopharyngeal reflux (when stomach acid travels to the throat), and head and neck cancers.
Gum disease, tooth decay, and mouth sores are all much more likely for heavy drinkers, and alcohol abuse is the second most common risk factor for oral cancer.
Decreased Production of Saliva
This, in combination with the diuretic effect of alcohol can result in chronic dry mouth, i.e., xerostomia. Dry mouth isn't just uncomfortable. From plaque buildup and tooth decay to gum disease, dry mouth can wreak havoc on oral health.
Substantial acute and chronic intakes of alcohol or ethanol (EtOH) severely influence oral sensations, such as thirst and oral dryness (dry mouth, xerostomia).
Other Ways Frequent Alcohol Use Can Impact Your Teeth and Gums. In addition to increasing the risks of developing tooth decay, gum disease and stained teeth, heavy drinking can cause irritation of the tissues inside your mouth and can even lead to severe issues like losing teeth.
Habitual smoking, alcohol use, and very hot and spicy foods may also cause mouth dryness and occasional burning, as well as changes to the skin of the mouth.
Although alcohol use hasn't been definitively linked to causing ulcers, it can raise the risk of developing an ulcer, especially if you have other risk factors. Heavy drinking is especially related to increased risk.
When an individual consumes alcohol, traces of the alcohol remain in the mucosal linings of the mouth for a short period of time. This also occurs when alcohol is regurgitated. Mouth alcohol dissipates fairly quickly, however, and only remains in the mouth for 10 to 15 minutes.
Besides, it can also cause gum recession. A study published in the Journal of Periodontology revealed that people who consume alcohol excessively have worse receding gums than those who drink moderately. This underlines the importance of consuming alcohol moderately or, if possible, quit it altogether.
Leukoplakia is a condition that causes white or gray patches on your tongue and in your mouth. It's most often linked to tobacco or alcohol use.
Long-Term Health Risks. Over time, excessive alcohol use can lead to the development of chronic diseases and other serious problems including: High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and digestive problems. Cancer of the breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, voice box, liver, colon, and rectum.
Allergies or reactions to foods, food flavorings, other food additives, fragrances, dyes or dental-work substances. Reflux of stomach acid (gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD) that enters your mouth from your stomach. Certain medications, particularly high blood pressure medications.
There's no known cure for primary burning mouth syndrome and there's no one sure way to treat it. Solid research on the most effective methods is lacking. Treatment depends on your particular symptoms and is aimed at controlling them.
Mouth Irritation
Acidic beverages such as soft drinks, hot spicy foods, overzealous brushing of your tongue, and overusing your mouthwash can irritate your mouth. If you're experiencing a burning sensation in your mouth, try to drink fewer irritating beverages.
The sugars in alcohol feed the bacteria in the mouth, and, in turn, irritate the gingival tissues. When this occurs, periodontal patients experience swollen and bleeding gums and bad breath. As the infection progresses, it loosens the gum tissue surrounding the teeth.
Fruit juice, sparkly drinks, and alcohol bring the pH down to 5.5. While removing saliva, consistently drinking sweet and acidic alcoholic beverages will cause the outer enamel on your teeth to erode and dissolve. This will leave to darker and more sensitive teeth.
A dry mouth can occur when the salivary glands in your mouth don't produce enough saliva. This is often the result of dehydration, which means you don't have enough fluid in your body to produce the saliva you need. It's also common for your mouth to become dry if you're feeling anxious or nervous.
Candida overgrowth can occur anytime healthy bacteria levels are disrupted or the immune system is compromised. A few common factors that lead to overgrowth are taking antibiotics, eating a diet high in sugar, high alcohol intake, a weakened immune system, oral contraceptives, diabetes and high stress levels.