07/11/2022
Related article Believe it or not, drinking too much alcohol can significantly affect our oral health. It can lead to a wide range of diseases from tooth decay to oral cancer. Studies have found that compared with non-drinkers, those who drink one or more alcoholic beverages per day see a decrease in healthy bacteria in the mouth, with a significant increase in harmful bacteria also being detected. show
Such changes can lead to the development of diseases such as gum disease and tooth decay, as well as cancers of the mouth and throat. It is estimated that almost one-fifth of us drinkers sometimes show signs of serious gum disease.
Why is alcohol bad for our mouth?
Alcoholic beverages such as white wine, beer and cider can be very acidic. This can cause enamel erosion on our teeth, which can lead to pain and sensitivity.
Alcoholic beverages such as white wine, beer and cider can be very acidic. This can cause enamel erosion on our teeth, which can lead to pain and sensitivity.
Just one larger pint can contain a quarter of our daily recommended sugar intake, as can two large glasses of white wine.
Excessive alcohol consumption is also linked to one in three oral cancers - a disease that has increased by 135% in the past 20 years.
Alcohol also encourages many bad bacteria to grow in our mouth. Studies have found that alcohol drinkers produce more gum disease-causing bacteria when compared to non-drinkers while beer consumers produce an increase in bacteria associated with cavities tooth.
However, good bacteria are bacteria that can help us avoid dental diseases. Specifically, the good bacteria inside our mouths will correct the effects of bad bacteria by reducing the acidity and pH in our mouths. Good bacteria can also help with digestion as they will start breaking down food as soon as we start eating.
The Oral Health Foundation recommends taking a probiotic supplement to keep good bacteria in the mouth. We can get probiotics through some foods like soft cheeses and natural yogurt. But make sure there are no extra sugars later.
How big is the problem?
While it's okay to have exotic drinks, those who drink them regularly or in large amounts put themselves at greater risk. The latest figures estimate that around 40 million British adults regularly drink alcoholic beverages and while many do so in moderation, some do not.
A recent study by Drinkkn found that among drinkers, more than a quarter (27%) were classified as alcoholics. The worst offenders are men – who are more than twice as likely as women to exceed the maximum recommended 14 units of alcohol per week.
Oral cancer diagnoses have increased significantly over the past two decades and are predicted to continue to increase. If people cut back on alcohol consumption, that could make a big difference in reducing cases.
Top tips on how to reduce the effects of alcohol on teeth and mouth
Top tips on how to reduce the effects of alcohol on teeth and mouth the balance between drinking and a healthy oral cavity. Here are some tips on how to do that:
- Drink water after drinking alcohol: It helps balance the pH in our mouth and wash away some sugar.
- Try and keep alcohol limited with meals: By drinking it with meals, it helps to reduce the intensity of the acid attack on our teeth and weaken its effects.
- Use mouthwash: Mouthwash has a similar effect to water in that it will help wash away acidic substances such as alcohol from our teeth. The added benefit of mouthwash is that it will also go some way in protecting the teeth from further attack. Some mouthwashes can wrap our teeth in a protective shield and can help protect us against problems like gum disease or sensitive teeth. To check the benefits of each mouthwash, it's important to read the packaging before buying.