Indulging in an occasional glass of wine or rum sounds harmless, but only if you are in control. Slipping into the regular drinking habit is easier than you imagine. Alcohol dependency is subjective. For many, it happens after years of heavy drinking, but for some, it sets in within months.
According to the World Health Organization statistics, the harmful use of alcohol can lead to more than 200 disease and injury conditions. Globally, it accounts for 3 million deaths every year, representing 5.3% of all deaths. The numbers are scary but eye-opening for drinkers struggling with alcohol use disorders.
Besides severe implications such as liver cirrhosis and cancer, alcoholism can also harm your teeth. Unfortunately, oral conditions linked with alcohol are overlooked as a less serious concern. But the truth is that alcohol is as harmful to your teeth as sugary foods and drinks. It can cause severe problems down the line.
You can watch out for the red flags and get help at the earliest. Moreover, you should consider them a wake-up call to ditch the habit. Here are a few warning signs to be aware of.
Tooth Decay
Studies show that heavy drinkers are at a high risk of dental caries, mucosal lesions and probing pocket depth. Most alcoholic beverages have high sugar content, contributing to tooth decay and plaque buildup over time. Additionally, excess consumption leads to dry mouth. Without saliva, your mouth has an ideal environment for oral bacteria to thrive, paving the way for tooth decay.
Regular need to visit the dentist’s clinic is a clear indication that you are developing dependency and should seek alcohol addiction treatment sooner rather than later. Timely help can save your teeth and overall health, so you should not ignore the earliest warning sign.
According to the Canadian Centre for Addictions, people who develop addiction seldom realize the long-term negative outcomes it entails. At a rehab facility, you get help and foster awareness regarding these ill effects. Seeking treatment is a tangible step toward getting in control again.
Gum Disease
Besides ruining your teeth, alcoholism can cause severe damage to your gums. Necrotizing periodontal diseases are destructive conditions characterized by pain, ulceration and gingival necrosis.
Research indirectly links alcohol use with gum disease. It shows that heavy drinkers are prone to malnutrition, which lowers the immune response and results in a predisposition to necrotizing periodontal diseases.
A weak immune system limits defenses against infections, including those in the gums. Watch out for glaring signs such as pain and swollen, bleeding gums. Not getting timely treatment can worsen the symptoms and eventually cause tooth loss. These signs also indicate that giving up alcohol should be a priority.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is perhaps the most serious implication of heavy drinking. Prolonged alcohol abuse damages the oral cells, increasing the possibility of developing cancerous growths in the mouth. Alcohol consumption becomes a significant risk factor when combined with tobacco use because both contribute to cancer risks.
Statistics show that the risk of oral cavity and pharynx cancers is 1.8-fold higher for moderate drinkers than non-drinkers. Likewise, they have 1.4-fold higher risks of larynx cancer. Heavy drinkers are five times more likely to have oral cavity and pharynx cancers. The risk of larynx cancers is 2.6-fold higher for them.
The best piece of advice is to ditch the bottle and cleanse your system before it leads to dire consequences such as cancer.
Staining and Discoloration
You should also worry about the aesthetic red flags, such as staining and discoloration of teeth, as they can affect your appearance and confidence levels in the long run. Red wine is a culprit because it contains chromogens that can cause dental staining. Chromogens stick to tooth enamel already compromised by the acid in alcohol and cause tough stains.
Regular consumption of red wine can cause noticeable discoloration over time. Beer is only marginally better when it comes to the chromogen content. However, dark barley and malts can still cause staining and discoloration. If you spot the red flag, take it as a warning to give up on the habit as soon as possible.
Bad Breath
Bad breath or halitosis is another red flag regular drinkers should be aware of. Alcohol can reduce the saliva production in your mouth as it is a drying agent. Without enough saliva, your mouth cannot cleanse itself and eliminate odor-causing bacteria. You should not be surprised if “alcohol breath” becomes a part of your existence.
You may try shortcuts like chewing gum or using a mouthwash to rinse your mouth after a drinking session. But these methods hardly remove the root cause of bad breath. The only way to get rid of it for good is by committing to steering clear of drinks, no matter how much you love them. The best part is that giving up can support your overall well-being in the long run.
Tips to Address Alcohol-Related Dental Red Flags
Addiction treatment is undoubtedly the long-term solution to deal with alcohol-related red flags. Additionally, small steps can help you save your oral health while fighting your addiction. Here are a few expert-recommended to help:
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Keep an eye on the red flags and schedule regular dental check-ups with your dentist even if you spot nothing. Remember to inform your dentist about your struggle with alcoholism to get an accurate assessment.
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Stick with oral hygiene best practices such as brushing and flossing. Also, use the best dental products to minimize the impact of alcohol consumption.
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Prioritize hydration to minimize alcohol-induced issues like dry mouth and slow saliva production.
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Ditch sugary and acidic foods and drinks as they can aggravate the ill effects of alcohol.
Wrapping Up
Excessive alcohol consumption can harm different organs, including your teeth and gums. It is vital to be aware of the early warning signs and break the habit to prevent long-term damage and grave outcomes like oral cancer. You can follow this checklist to recognize the small issues and address them before they worsen. Most importantly, commit to quitting alcohol and regaining control over your life, health, and smile.