Alcohol is not good for your oral health. Due to its acidic conditions, alcohol corrodes your teeth, weakening the enamel. The enamel is a protective film around your tooth that protects it against bacteria. When this film is damaged, you will be more susceptible to infections. The same applies to your gums. Alcohol can significantly damage your gums, accelerating conditions like gum disease. Here is what alcohol can do to inflamed gums.
Alcohol's Effect on Gums
Consumption of alcohol is a catalyst for many conditions that affect your dental structure. Gum disease, dental decay, and oral cancer are among the common dangers of excessive consumption of alcohol. Due to the high acidic conditions of alcohol, its effects on your gums and teeth can be devastating. There is a very strong link between alcohol consumption and gum disease; this is because the more alcohol a person drinks, the more susceptible their gums become. Those that already have the condition will see it worsen drastically if they continue consuming alcohol.
Gum disease is caused by bacterial growth in the mouth. When you drink alcohol, these bacteria feed on the sugars present in alcohol and multiply. Furthermore, alcohol also irritates the gums, leading to symptoms like bad breath, swelling, and bleeding. As the condition progresses, the gum tissue loosens leading to potential tooth loss. Persistent consumption of alcohol will accelerate the condition, developing into full-blown periodontitis. This is where the gum tissue is completely damaged and little can be done to salvage it.
Therefore, it is important to stop consuming alcohol, especially if you have gum infections. It is also important to practice good oral hygiene to keep your gums in good condition. You can do so by regular brushing, flossing, and scheduling professional regular dental cleaning. For more information on the dangers of alcohol on your gums, visit our offices.
Alcohol is not good for your oral health. Due to its acidic conditions, alcohol corrodes your teeth, weakening the enamel. The enamel is a protective film around your tooth that protects it against bacteria. When this film is damaged, you will be more susceptible to infections. The same applies to your gums. Alcohol can significantly damage your gums, accelerating conditions like gum disease. Here is what alcohol can do to inflamed gums.