It is no secret that alcohol and smoking aren’t just damaging to your oral health but to overall health as well. It slows body functioning whilst damaging your teeth and gums. Kicking the habit of smoking and consuming alcohol obviously doesn’t come easy, but the motivation depends and how much you’re willing to look after your smile.
You’re at a greater risk of dental emergency treatment if you continue to smoke and consume alcohol. Eventually, you’ll be forking out expensive dental treatments to perform restorative treatments to resurrect your smile.
So, how can alcohol and smoking damage teeth?
Discoloured Teeth
Plaque and tartar build from regular smoking and alcohol, and they coat over your teeth to cause stains. You should expect your teeth to darken themselves, and the more you consume it, sometimes whitening and polish treatment at the dentist may not even be enough as the stains could be permanent.
Gum Disease
Alcohol contains traces of sugar which can cause gum disease. Another symptom of gum disease is dehydration. The saliva flow in the mouth reduces, and saliva is a vital tool to digest any food from the mouth and fight off bacteria. Smoking attacks the gums and makes them prone to disease over time. This can lead to gum recessions. Gum disease is also a common cause of tooth loss.
Oral Cancer
Smoking is greatly linked to cancer, including oral cancer. Signs of oral cancer can be detected with persistent ulcers in the mouth and the lip, red and white patches, and swelling. As a denture patient, your dentures may eventually become loose. This is especially if you consume alcohol as well.
Slow Healing
Smoking and alcohol attributes to slow healing if you’ve had any cosmetic treatments. For example, if you smoke and drink alcohol, you’re likely to develop a dry mouth. If you’ve recently had tooth extraction treatment, you develop a dry socket where a blood clot needs to form over it as part of healing. The problem with smoking and alcohol is that healing is slower and your oral health is at continuous risk.
If you’re seeking support in quitting alcohol and smoking, the dentist can help. You will be making a life-changing decision when you quit alcohol and smoking. Regularly keep your teeth and gums clean. You should also consider fluoride toothpaste to reduce plaque and tartar build-up. Read here to learn more about oral care tips to keep your implant healthy.
Visiting Ashwood Dental for advice on quitting smoking and alcohol is a smart step to protect your oral health. We’re here to help! Contact us today.
