As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, many of us will no doubt indulge in a drink or two to toast this traditional Irish holiday. But as you plan your St. Paddy’s celebration, keep in mind that drinking to excess is terrible for your overall health. Not only that, but studies show that drinking too much has a negative impact on your oral health as well.
Most doctors and dentists would agree that if you use alcohol at all, it should be kept to moderate levels. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that means no more than one drink a day for women and no more than two drinks a day for men. And people who consume large quantities of alcohol (more than 8 drinks a week for women and more than 15 drinks a day for men) increase their risk of developing oral cancer, mouth sores, and gum disease. People who drink more than the moderate amounts stated by the CDC tend to develop more plaque on their teeth. Those people are also more likely to experience tooth loss than non-drinkers or people who keep their consumption within the moderate guidelines.
But even moderate drinkers will suffer negative effects when it comes to their oral health. Alcohol stains your teeth – particularly if you drink dark liquors, alcohol mixed with dark sodas, or red wine. You can avoid some of this staining by rinsing your mouth with water immediately after consuming a drink. Alcohol is also acidic and contains sugar, which can increase your risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease. Another side effect of drinking comes from dehydration – alcohol is a diuretic, and that affects the amount of saliva you produce inside your mouth.
When you produce less saliva, it impacts the pH levels inside your mouth. Ultimately, dry mouth can lead to a higher risk for tooth decay and gum disease.
Whether you’re planning for your St. Patrick’s Day celebration, or just a night out with friends, keep in mind that you should never exceed more than the recommended amount of “moderate” alcohol consumption as stated by the CDC. This will benefit not only your oral health, but your overall health as well. And, of course, always maintain a daily oral hygiene routine at home by brushing at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day. These habits, in addition to visiting your dentist twice a year for professional cleanings and oral exams, play an important role in ensuring that you enjoy healthy teeth and gums for years to come.
