Heavy alcohol consumption, without a doubt, harms the health of gums regardless of whether one has teeth or not. In the worst-case scenarios, the effects are life-threatening. The effects on those who have teeth are clear. Saliva keeps teeth moist and counteracts the bacteria that cause tooth decay. But the effects of dry mouth go deeper than just teeth.
Alcohol and Dry Mouth
Dry mouth can lead to gum inflammation and infection. Additionally, it may lead to receding gums and related serious issues. Infected gums, even if there are no teeth, can be very painful. Please give us a call if you have any pain, bleeding, or obvious inflammation. Moreover, an infected mouth is much more likely to have issues with bad breath. Hydration of the mouth is important. If one does drink alcohol or anything that can be dehydrating, it's important to drink enough water. Not only does the water keep the mouth properly moist, and it can help one recover from the alcohol effects. Properly drinking water reduces the chance one has bad breath, as the saliva retards the growth of bacteria that causes bad breath.
Alcohol and Oral Disease
Heavy alcohol consumers often do not eat properly and malnutrition certainly affects gum health. Gum tissues can become even more fragile due to poor nutrition. Also, excessive drinkers are prone to quitting oral hygiene. Even if one still has no teeth, oral hygiene is important for health purposes. Gum infections can cause pain and bleeding. Mouth ulcers can form on the gums. Consequently, one may lose one´s sense of taste. Infected gums may also have burning sensations. In the worst-case scenarios, gum infections lead to osteomyelitis.
Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone. It requires heavy dosages of antibiotics and may require surgical removal of bone tissue. Osteomyelitis can be life-threatening. Severe gum infections can leak into one´s bloodstream and also be fatal. It´s important to come to see us in order to check your oral health and so we may guide you on taking care of your mouth.
Heavy alcohol consumption, without a doubt, harms the health of gums regardless of whether one has teeth or not. In the worst-case scenarios, the effects are life-threatening. The effects on those who have teeth are clear. Saliva keeps teeth moist and counteracts the bacteria that cause tooth decay. But the effects of dry mouth go deeper than just teeth.