You may enjoy a drink on occasion or on the weekends. It can help you loosen up and enjoy a party or event more, but alcohol can cause harm when it comes to your smile. Not only can it affect your teeth, but it can also have an impact on your gum health. Overindulging in it may spell bad news, so here’s what you need to know about these types of beverages and the pink soft tissues in your mouth.
How Does Alcohol Impact My Gum Health?
According to recent studies, alcohol consumption is linked to a higher risk of gum disease. When you drink it, it can dry out your mouth. This can make it harder for you to wash away harmful bacteria, allowing them to thrive and attack the structures in your mouth. Not only that, but this beverage also affects your oral microbiome. It can cause the bad germs to thrive and build up more easily.
Alcohol can also affect the immune system. It may become weakened, so the body will have a slower response to infections, particularly when it comes to the inflammation caused by gum disease. People are also more likely to develop poor oral hygiene habits. They might skip brushing and flossing after a night of drinking or postpone routine checkups!
But What’s So Bad About Gum Disease?
This condition may not seem too intense, especially since its early warning signs may not seem severe. Aside from inflamed gums, they may also be noticeably red or bleed when you brush or floss. However, as it goes untreated, it can reach its more advanced stages. Your gum can start to recede, or your bone tissue can be attacked, eventually leading to tooth loss.
There has also been research that shows a relationship between gum disease and systemic health conditions, like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. So, taking care of your mouth may very well impact your overall well-being.
How Can I Prevent Gum Disease While Drinking?
The good news is that you don’t have to give up alcohol to avoid gum disease. Keeping it in moderation is always best, but pairing it with the right daily habits can help make you less likely to develop this condition. Here are tips to remember:
- Take sips of water between your other drinks.
- Limit sugary mixers
- Brush twice a day and floss at least once to remove harmful bacteria.
- Eat a balanced diet that helps support your body and oral health.
- Keep up with routine visits to your dentist; that way, they can watch for early warning signs and treat them before they progress.
In the end, while drinking can have an impact on your gums, you can do your part in preventing gum disease. Keep these easy tips in mind and keep your smile strong and problem-free.
About the Author
At Denton Dental Center, you benefit from the compassionate care of Dr. Todd Balington and Dr. Naveen Karim. With a periodontist on our team, we are happy to help the Denton community do their best in avoiding or managing gum disease. By using state-of-the-art instruments, you can then enjoy a grin that you feel your best in. If you tend to bleed when you brush or floss, schedule an appointment or call our office at (940) 383-3300.