NC Dentists Emphasize the Effects of Alcohol on Dental Health 2023
At a summer party or picnic, the last thing that people generally think about is what a mixed drink or glass of wine could be doing to their teeth. However, dentists in North Carolina say that this is something that should be taken into consideration.
Consumption of alcohol plays a significant role in oral health problems across the country, and the state of North Carolina is not an exception to this trend. Because more people are partaking in the activity, dental specialists in the state are sounding the alarm about the bad effects that alcohol may have on the health of teeth and gums.
According to Victoria McGowen, an associate dentist at Sound Dental in Morehead City, the effects might differ on a person depending on the quantity of consumption that they engage in.
NC Dentists Emphasize Alcohol’s Effects on Dental Health
According to McGowen’s explanation, “It actually affects the teeth a lot more because of the sugar intake, how long it sits on the teeth, and any kind of staining,” such as if a person often consumes red wine or whiskey. “The gums themselves do not become affected until you reach the level of alcoholism, at which point you develop periodontitis.”
She underlined the need of cleaning and flossing your teeth on a regular basis, as well as completing what you’re drinking quite quickly, rather than taking small sips of it throughout the day, in order to reduce the risk of oral health complications.
According to McGowen, one of the most prevalent misunderstandings is that people do not realize the quantity of sugar and acids that are consumed when drinking an alcoholic beverage. When the mouth is exposed to something acidic, such as by eating or drinking, it can take up to an hour for the mouth to return to its “normal” pH level. This is according to the Oral Health Foundation.
“A lot of times, people aren’t realizing the amount of sugar they’re actually drinking, the acidity levels; you know, having a mimosa at brunch,” McGowen added. “You know, having a mimosa at brunch.”
“If you’re the kind of person who already has a problem with your enamel, or if you have any kind of problems with acid reflux, that’s just more acid getting added onto your teeth,” the dentist said.
Sugar and acid, she explained, may wear away a person’s teeth over time, particularly at the gum line, on the back side of the teeth, and at the gum line itself. She recommended going to the dentist on a consistent basis to avoid developing cavities.