TEETH AND ALCOHOL
Does it affect our dental health?
Alcohol is a psychoactive drug that influences the central nervous system producing temporary changes in behavior, perception of reality and state of consciousness, but many people are unaware that it also affects the mouth, producing dry mouth, halitosis and demineralizing tooth enamel. But its worst influence on oral health is that alcohol increases the risk of oral cancer.
Although it is a more or less accepted drug in our society, alcohol, according to the WHO, 3.3 million deaths occur each year due to its intake. This represents 6% of deaths worldwide.
The excessive consumption of alcohol produces damages in our organism that in some occasions can be irreversible, such as:
- Liver Cirrhosis
- Mental disorders
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Efficiencies of the immune system
- Different types of cancers in the stomach, liver, pancreas, among others.
What are the effects of alcohol in the mouth?
The effects of alcohol in the mouth are very diverse and we can list them as follows:
Increased caries
Alcohol consumption increases the acidity of the pH of the mouth, which leads to demineralization of tooth enamel. This demineralization increases the possibility of caries.
Oral cancer
Excessive alcohol consumption together with tobacco consumption considerably increases the risk of developing some type of oral cancer. In these cases, early diagnosis of this type of lesions is very important.
Halitosis and bacterial plaque accumulation
Dental hygiene in people who drink alcohol regularly is not usually correct. This accumulation of plaque leads to halitosis, periodontal problems and caries.
Gum irritation
Alcohol in contact with the oral mucosa can produce an alteration of its morphology, known as epithelial atrophy. This atrophy makes the mucosa much more susceptible to carcinogens.
Periodontal problems
People who consume alcohol on a constant basis, in most cases neglect personal hygiene, so they do not pay as much attention to oral hygiene. If we add to this fact the important affectation that alcohol produces in the immune system, it causes that the organism cannot respond with due speed to periodontal infections caused by poor oral hygiene, producing periodontal pockets and loss of bone support.
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Nakeji Dental has been providing quality care for over 37 years. We are leaders in the care of your smile. All specialties, in one place. We are one of the best Dentists in Tijuana and we have the best Dental Specialists in the region.
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