Drinking too much alcohol is bad for your overall health. It’s also problematic for your gums. Whether you prefer to have a nightcap before going to bed or enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, regular consumption can affect the soft oral tissues that help hold your teeth in place. Keep reading to learn more about this connection between alcohol and gum disease and what you can do to avoid worsening oral health.
Can Drinking Alcohol Increase Your Risk of Gum Disease?
Yes, if you consume alcohol frequently and in excess, it will increase your risk of developing gum disease. Here’s how:
- Your mouth contains good and bad bacteria. Alcohol increases the latter, causing an imbalance within your oral microbiome.
- Alcohol dries out your mouth, causing your salivary glands to decrease production and allowing bad bacteria to grow.
- Too much alcohol weakens your immune system, so it’s harder to fight off infections, like gum disease.
- Alcohol causes inflammation, which can worsen symptoms of gum disease (bleeding, swelling, redness, tenderness).
- Drinking alcohol in excess can lead to poor oral hygiene because of how it inhibits your thinking and well-being. When you do not floss and brush regularly, you put yourself at risk of gum disease.
What Can You Do to Prevent Gum Disease?
Maintaining good oral health requires taking the proper steps to keep your gums free of disease. You can accomplish this by:
- Brushing your teeth twice daily for two minutes and flossing at least once a day to remove harmful bacteria.
- Visit your dentist for biannual checkups and cleanings to ensure no early signs of gum disease exist.
- Give up unhealthy habits, such as smoking, and limit your alcohol consumption.
- Adopt a nutrient-rich diet that consists of lean proteins, leafy greens, fresh fruits and vegetables, calcium-enriched foods, etc.
- Limit your sugars and starches, as both contribute to the development of gum disease.
If you choose to drink alcohol, make sure you keep a glass of water nearby so that your mouth does not become dry. Your saliva production helps neutralize harmful acids and flushes out bad bacteria.
By making these simple changes and boosting your at-home oral hygiene habits, you can better protect your gums now and in the future.
About the Author
Dr. Richard Aguila is a board-certified periodontist who completed his dental degree at West Virginia University. After practicing general dentistry in the U.S. Navy for six years, he obtained his certificate in periodontics and a master’s in health sciences at the Medical University of South Carolina. Treating patients with gum disease, he discusses the lifestyle changes that are required to maintain healthy gums, including limiting alcohol consumption. If you are worried about the state of your soft oral tissues, contact us at (904) 683–4781 to schedule an appointment.