It is widely known that excessive alcohol consumption is harmful for your liver, and that there is a danger of becoming physically dependent on it if you have multiple drinks every day. But your Newport beach dentist also might take it upon themselves to warn you about cutting back if they see that your oral health is being adversely affected.
The Link Between Alcohol and Oral Care
You might not think there’s much of a connection between oral health and alcohol consumption, but you’d be surprised, Newport Beach residents.
Alcohol use dries out the mouth, and if you’re consuming mixed drinks containing fruit juices, the citrus will attack your teeth. If beer is your beverage of choice, it can stain your teeth, much in the same way that tobacco does. That’s the case with wine as well, particularly red wine. If you consume mixed drinks that use soda, those can stain your teeth, and also the sugar forms acid that wears away your tooth enamel.
Other Adverse Effects
Your Newport Beach dentist should have no trouble identifying heavy consumers of alcohol for other reasons as well.
Those individuals who abuse alcohol have higher plaque levels on their teeth. They are also three times as likely to experience loss of permanent teeth. The drying effects of alcohol also aren’t doing your teeth any favors. Saliva keeps the teeth moist, and that helps to remove bacteria and plaque from their surface. A dry mouth allows those substances to better cling to the surface of your teeth.
If you are going to have multiple drinks over the course of an evening, you should at least try and consume glasses of water in between each drink. That will keep you hydrated and it won’t be so hard on your teeth. It will help to prevent intoxication as well.
When your Newport Beach dentist talks to you about excessive alcohol consumption, they are only trying to help you. Most people care about the physical appearance of their teeth and smile, but the health problems that can come about from alcoholism are even more critical. Listen to your dentist, and take their advice. Your teeth and the rest of your body will be glad that you did.