The Holiday
Season is upon us and that normally means we go to parties and get togethers
that have alcohol. We often have patients who ask, “Can drinking alcohol affect
my oral health?” There are, in fact, a few reasons why that martini or spiked
eggnog may not be good for your pearly whites.
In
addition to creating an overly acidic environment in your mouth, alcohol
severely dehydrates oral tissues because of its desiccant and diuretic
properties. Because alcohol saps oral tissues of their moisture so readily,
saliva glands can't keep enough saliva in the mouth to prevent dry mouth. In
addition, saliva contains antibacterial properties that inhibits growth of
anaerobic bacteria, a destructive type of oral bacterial responsible for tooth
decay, gingivitis, chronic bad breath, and periodontitis.
What
are anaerobic bacteria?
When
there is a lack of saliva flow in the mouth and the mouth cannot naturally
cleanse itself of oral debris (food particles, dead skin cell, mucous),
conditions develop that promote activity of anaerobic bacteria, or bacteria
that thrive in dry, airless places. These anaerobes also flourish when an
unending supply of proteins (food debris) are available to consume, creating
rapidly multiplying layers of plaque that stick to teeth and demineralizes
tooth enamel unless removed by brushing and professional dental cleanings.
This is
one of the reasons why it is important to drink a full glass of water after you
indulge in alcohol.
Oral
Cancer and Alcohol
Acetaldehyde
is a chemical compound leftover after the liver has metabolized alcohol.
Capable of causing genetic mutations, acetaldehyde is also a known carcinogen
that contributes to the ill feelings of hangovers. Although most metabolism of
alcohol is done in the liver, evidence shows that metabolism also occurs
outside the liver and that enzymes in the mouth could encourage accumulation of
acetaldehyde in oral tissues.
When
combined with poor oral health, smoking, and other detrimental lifestyle
factors, alcohol may be considered a primary contributory factor in the
development of oral cancer.
Even if
you don't drink or drink only occasionally, remaining aware of symptoms that
may indicate oral cancer will improve your chances of recovering successfully
when you start treatment in the early stages of oral cancer. Signs include red
or white speckled patches in the mouth, unexplained bleeding, lumps/swellings,
chronic ear or throat pain, and areas of numbness in the mouth or on the face.
If you
have any questions about alcohol and its connection to oral health, don’t
hesitate to ask Dr. Alina Bergan at your next visit to our Cedarhurst office.
Wishing
you safe and Happy Holidays!
To make an appointment please call us
at 800-223-0801 or go online and book at appointment on our website: http://www.alinabergandds.com/appointments/
