While there are
always new studies and articles being released with titles like “You CAN drink
wine!” another study has been released that gets a little more specific. The Journal of Periodontology recently published a study about the effect that
alcohol can have on gums. So the answer to the question is: indirectly, yes.
Alcohol consumption can hurt your teeth.
Severe
periodontal disease (periodontitis) among the test subjects in this study increased at the
same rate as the subjects’ alcohol consumption frequency. That is, the more
alcohol each subject drank on a regular basis, the more likely they were to
have periodontitis. That’s not all—even drinkers without actual periodontitis had
increased gum sensitivity compared to those who did not regularly consume
alcohol.
“Although the topic of alcohol use and its effect on periodontal health requires further research, this report offers valuable insight on why we should care for our gums and teeth, especially if we might enjoy the occasional drink,”
--Joan Otomo-Corgel, DDS, MPH (President of American Academy of Periodontology)
Additionally,
increased alcohol consumption showed a direct correlation with the amount of
plaque in a person’s mouth. Why does this happen? Alcohol dries out your mouth,
which is thought to increase the production of plaque. As you drink (and the
more you drink), the production of saliva slows. The alcohol is dehydrating
you, causing less saliva, more dryness, and, therefore, more plaque.
Why are we
telling you this? Do know that periodontal disease is quite common, and half of
Americans over thirty will get it. To help you combat it, we are not here to
tell you not to drink alcohol. You can enjoy a beer or glass of wine and still
have a completely healthy mouth. All you need to do is be proactive about your
oral health. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing and using
effective mouthwash. Most important, though, is to stay up to date on your
dental cleanings.
A periodontitis
diagnosis is not the end of the road. A dental practice like that of Dr. Louis
K. Cheung, DDS, can help treat your periodontal disease. Treatment can
often help reverse the effects of the disease, but you need to catch it in a
timely manner. Without regular checkups and yearly dental cleanings, this is
impossible. Call today to make an appointment to keep your mouth as healthy as
possible!
