Our office is located next to Nordstrom and across the street from Westlake Center light rail station. We provide validated parking in the Medical Dental Building and at Pacific Place.
Aesthetic Dental Associates logo
Book Appointment(206) 682-3888

How Alcohol and Tobacco Use Affect Your Oral Health

Man getting dental treatment at the dentist

Protect Your Smile and Health with Healthy Choices

Maintaining good oral health is essential not only for a bright smile but also for overall health and well-being. However, lifestyle choices, such as alcohol and tobacco use, can significantly impact oral health. Learn more with our [practiceinfo field=”prac_seoLocation”] dentist, Dr. Robert E. Johnson at Aesthetic Dental Associates, about how moderation and healthy choices can make all the difference. 

How Alcohol Affects Your Oral Healthman getting a dental checkup

Many people consume alcohol socially and in moderation. However, excessive alcohol consumption can wreak havoc on your oral health in various ways:

  • Increased Risk of Cavities: Alcohol causes dehydration and dry mouth. Saliva helps wash away food debris and bacteria in your mouth. With decreased saliva production, your risk for cavities increases significantly. The sugars in alcoholic drinks also feed the bacteria that cause tooth decay.
  • Gum Disease: Alcohol affects your immune system, making gums more susceptible to infections. The gingivitis bacteria in plaque buildup can inflame your gums and progress to advanced periodontitis. This can cause receding gums, tooth loss, and bone damage.
  • Oral Cancer: Excessive alcohol use is a major risk factor for mouth, tongue, and throat cancers. The ethanol in alcohol metabolizes into acetaldehyde, a known cancer-causing chemical. Alcohol abuse combined with tobacco use increases oral cancer risks exponentially.
  • Tooth Erosion: Vomiting from excessive drinking can expose your teeth to gastric acids frequently, causing enamel erosion and sensitivity. Cocktails with acidic mixers can also erode and stain tooth enamel over time.
  • Dental Injuries: Impaired motor skills due to intoxication lead to falls and dental trauma. Crown and tooth fractures, knocked-out teeth, lacerated gums, and jaw joint dislocations are common alcohol-related mouth injuries.

How Tobacco Use Affects Oral Health

Like alcohol, tobacco may be socially acceptable but can ruin your oral health through:

  • Tooth Discoloration: The tar and nicotine in tobacco lead to yellowish to brown stained teeth and tongue. The longer you smoke, the more stubborn these stains become. They can only be removed through professional teeth cleaning.
  • Halitosis: Smoking causes foul “smoker’s breath” due to the smell of nicotine, tar, and noxious gases coating your mouth, gums, and teeth. No amount of brushing or flossing can eliminate it.
  • Periodontal Disease: Tobacco smoking increases plaque and calculus buildup. It also reduces blood flow to the gums. This combination severely increases risks for gingivitis and advanced gum disease.
  • Tooth Loss: Gum recession from smoking can loosen teeth and cause tooth loss. The heat from smoking can also break down tooth structures, speeding up decay.
  • Oral Cancer: Tobacco is the leading cause of oral cancer. The lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, palate, and throat are frequent sites for malignant growth in smokers. Smokeless tobacco similarly increases oral cancer risks.
  • Delayed Healing: Nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing oxygen and nutrients to mouth tissues and gums. This delays healing after dental procedures or oral injuries in smokers.
  • Implant Failure: The poor blood circulation caused by smoking impedes the healing process after implant placement. This can lead to higher implant failure rates in smokers.
  • Congenital Defects: Babies born to smoking mothers have increased risks for cleft lip, cleft palate, and other oral birth defects. Second-hand maternal smoking is equally harmful.

Protecting Your Oral Health

While occasional moderate alcohol consumption and social smoking may be fine for some, it’s easy to develop harmful addictions. Here are some tips to protect your oral health if you use alcohol or tobacco:

  • Drink alcohol in moderation and avoid binge drinking. Alternate between alcoholic drinks and water to stay hydrated.
  • Choose clear alcohols like gin or vodka over darker ones like rum or red wine, which stain teeth more.
  • Avoid sugary cocktail mixers that can cause tooth decay.
  • Rinse your mouth with water after drinking alcohol to wash away acidity.
  • Brush your teeth twice daily and floss thoroughly after alcohol consumption.
  • Use an alcohol-free mouthwash to eliminate bacteria without drying your mouth.
  • Drink through a straw to avoid contact between alcohol and your teeth.
  • Stop all tobacco use to prevent oral cancer risks and gum disease.
  • If you cannot quit, switch to nicotine gum or patches to avoid smoking-related oral risks.
  • Use nicotine lozenges to avoid staining if you must smoke occasionally.
  • Get regular professional dental cleanings at Aesthetic Dental Associates and oral cancer screenings, even if you quit tobacco.
  • See your Seattle dentist promptly for any oral symptoms, like persistent mouth pain or swelling.
  • Require smokers to smoke outdoors and avoid second-hand smoke exposure.

Choose Moderation For A Healthy Smile

Good oral hygiene is a lifelong endeavor that needs diligence, especially if you consume alcohol or use tobacco products. While quitting these habits is ideal, being aware of their oral health impact is vital for prompt preventive care. Remember to get regular dental checkups even if you don’t have symptoms. 

Implementing these strategies will help you enjoy the pleasures of alcohol or an occasional cigarette while still protecting your oral well-being. Call (206) 682-3888 to meet our Seattle dentist, Dr. Robert E. Johnson at Aesthetic Dental Associates, and learn how you can keep your smile bright!

Menu