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Receding Gums Can Happen as a Result of Alcohol Consumption
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Posted on 4/10/2020 by Todd Jorgenson |
Whether it's Friday night and you're wanting to knock back a few cold ones with the boys at the local watering hole or you're enjoying some Sunday mimosas with your brunch, your seemingly-innocent drinks can be causing lasting damage to your gumline.
While most of us enjoy the occasional cocktail, having four or more drinks per week can permanently harm your gums, exposing you to a greater risk of cavities, gum disease, and tooth loss. Before you pour your next drink, think hard about if the irreparable harm it can cause your teeth is worth it.
The Relationship Between Drinking and Gum Loss
A recent study revealed that the people who have four or more drinks per week were more likely to have periodontal disease, which is marked by inflammation of the gums and infection. Typically caused by poor oral hygiene (including failure to properly brush and floss), this disease was found to be highly correlated in those who drink.
When researchers tested something called “probing depth” and “clinical attachment” -- which means, in layman's terms, how much your gumline has receded and how much your dental root is exposed – they found that people who had alcohol dependence (which, again, was defined by four or more drinks per week) had a larger probing depth and less clinical attachment.
Not only did researchers discover a marked increase in periodontal disease in persons who had alcohol dependence, they also found an elevated level of bacteria that can lead to cancer. In other words, even so-called “safe” levels of drinking are anything but.
If you're going to drink anyway, there are some steps you can take to help mitigate your risks. For example:
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If you' |
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re going to drink, try to avoid excessively sugary drinks, as they can be more detrimental to your smile.
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Instead of flopping face-first onto your bed when you get home, take the time to brush and floss your teeth.
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Stay hydrated! One of the leading causes of periodontal disease is dehydration, and alcohol is quite dehydrating. Chase each drink you have with a glass of water. |
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