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How Does Alcohol Affect Your Oral Health?
When we think of the effects of alcohol use on our health, we generally think of our liver. But what most don’t realize is that drinking too much alcohol can directly affect our oral health as well.
How does alcohol affect your mouth?
Having enough saliva is critical to keeping your mouth clean and healthy. Essentially, saliva helps to water down or wash away the harmful acids produced by plaque. But when you drink alcohol, your saliva production slows down, which can cause dehydration and may contribute to plaque build-up.1
What are common effects of alcohol on teeth and oral health?
Long-term alcohol abuse can lead to a number of oral health issues including:2
- Gum disease
- Tooth decay
- Dry mouth
If you're going to drink alcohol, here are some tips to help keep your mouth healthy:
- Drink responsibly and in moderation. If you think you have a problem with alcohol addiction, talk with your doctor or dentist to get help.
- Drink plenty of water. Drinking water can help wash away food and acid, especially after eating.
- Brush and floss daily. It’s very important to add flossing to your routine because a toothbrush can’t reach between your teeth where tartar and plaque can form.
- Visit your dentist. Make regular trips to the dentist to help reduce tartar build-up. While you’re there, be honest with your dentist about your alcohol consumption.
Tags
1Dry Mouth after Drinking Alcohol, https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/dry-mouth/dry-mouth-after-drinking-alcohol, accessed July 12, 2021
2 The Surprising Truth About Alcohol and Oral Health, https://penndentalmedicine.org/alcohol-and-oral-health/, accessed July 12, 2021
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult with your dentist for appropriate examinations, treatment, testing and care recommendations.
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Individual and family medical and dental insurance plans are insured by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (CHLIC), Cigna HealthCare of Arizona, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Illinois, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Georgia, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of North Carolina, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of South Carolina, Inc., and Cigna HealthCare of Texas, Inc. Group health insurance and health benefit plans are insured or administered by CHLIC, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company (CGLIC), or their affiliates (see a listing of the legal entities that insure or administer group HMO, dental HMO, and other products or services in your state). Accidental Injury, Critical Illness, and Hospital Care plans or insurance policies are distributed exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of The Cigna Group Corporation, are administered by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, and are insured by either (i) Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (Bloomfield, CT). The Cigna Healthcare name, logo, and other Cigna Healthcare marks are owned by The Cigna Group Intellectual Property, Inc.
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