Effects of alcohol consumption on oral health

Alcohol consumption may increase the risk of periodontal disease.

In a narrative review, published in Cureus, investigators examined the effects of alcohol consumption on oral health.

The investigators found that alcoholic beverages adversely impacted periodontal tissue. Alcoholic beverages have been shown to promote the presence of acid-producing pathogens that demineralize the enamel and damage the teeth and gums. Colored alcoholic beverages may stain the teeth and cause toxic effects on the periodontium.

Those who consume alcohol chronically could alter their oral microbiome, encourage heightened inflammation in the body and have a dampened immune response against pathogenic organisms, thereby increasing the likelihood of oral pathogens that can cause periodontal disease.

Further, chronic alcohol consumption may lead to gingival bleeding, swollen gums, halitosis, bone loss, caries, necrotizing lesions and potentially cancer. Tobacco intake, smoking status and poor oral hygiene were also found to be associated with a greater risk of periodontal disease.

The investigators underscored the need for dental surgeons and health care professionals to perform counseling to address chronic alcohol consumption in those with alcohol dependency.

Read more: Cureus

The article presented here is intended to inform you about the broader media perspective on dentistry, regardless of its alignment with the ADA's stance. It is important to note that publication of an article does not imply the ADA's endorsement, agreement, or promotion of its content.