This 8-part series provides an in-depth look at seven different habits, addictions and behaviors that are deadly to your oral health.
Welcome to the final installment of our 8-part article series on the different habits, behaviors and addictions that are deadly to the health of your teeth and gums. By indulging in these various “dental sins”, you could eventually find yourself sitting in a consultation with a Flemington dental implants specialist! In this article, we shall be looking at the final deadly dental sin: hitting the bottle hard, in other words, excessive drinking.
Deadly Dental Sin # 7: Excessive Drinking
Most of us enjoy the occasional glass of wine with our dinner or a couple of beers with friends on Saturdays. Sometimes, on a birthday or some other special occasion, we can overdo it a little. All of this is completely normal and forgivable. It’s when you indulge in regular excessive drinking that your teeth and gums could suffer the consequences.
Drinking alcohol is bad for your oral health for a number of reasons:
1. Alcoholic beverages tend to be acidic: This acid softens your dental enamel, making it more vulnerable to erosion and cavity formation.
2. Alcoholic beverages tend to be high in sugar: This creates a favorable environment for bacterial activity, since they thrive on sugar, and plaque formation.
3. Alcohol tends to irritate the soft tissues in the mouth, causing them to become inflamed and swollen.
4. Alcohol causes xerostomia or “dry mouth”: Saliva is the body’s natural defense against bacteria. By impeding this flow, alcohol leaves your teeth and gums more exposed and vulnerable to bacteria.
5. Alcohol tends to be linked with other bad habits: Most smokers tend to be drinkers and vice versa. Alcohol also impedes judgment and encourages a feeling of invulnerability, leading people into all kinds of trouble. Some become aggressive and get into fights (risking physical trauma to their teeth and gums), while others experiment with drugs, etc. The list goes on!
6. Alcohol encourages poor oral hygiene habits: Stumbling in at three in the morning? Chances are you don’t have the energy or mental faculties to brush your teeth, never mind floss them. Heavy drinkers tend to be very slack about maintaining good oral hygiene.
7. Alcohol causes vomiting… and vomiting is terrible for your teeth. Stomach acid is far stronger and more corrosive than the acid in the food we eat. The occasional stomach-bug can’t be helped, but drinking alcohol regularly and being ill as a result does excessive and unnecessary damage to your pearly whites!
For all these reasons and more, it is always a smart idea to moderate the amount of alcohol you drink. If you find yourself contending with killer hangovers on a weekly basis, it’s time to back off the booze. If you find yourself contending with killer hangovers daily, it’s time to get professional help. If you don’t, you could be facing the need for more than just a Flemington dental implant specialist!
In conclusion, the seven deadly dental sins to be avoided are:
Deadly dental sin # 1: Neglecting Oral Hygiene
Deadly dental sin # 2: Smoking and Tobacco-use
Deadly dental sin # 3: Avoiding Check-ups With the Dentist and Oral Hygienist
Deadly dental sin # 4: Being Rough with Your Teeth
Deadly dental sin # 5: A Bad Diet that’s High in Sugar and Starch
Deadly dental sin # 6: Teeth Grinding and Jaw Clenching
Deadly dental sin # 7: Excessive drinking