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.

Find out more about the effects of drinking alcohol and how you can maintain good oral health and hygiene.

How does alcohol affect the 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

• Cavities
• Gum disease
• Tooth decay
• Dry mouth

Can alcohol cause cavities?

Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of cavities. The risk level is dependent on both your frequency and quantity of alcohol intake. Alcohol metabolizes into sugar, which can attract bacteria. When bacteria build up, it can cause cavities in the enamel of your teeth.

People who drink alcohol in substantial amounts tend to have higher plaque levels on their teeth due to bacteria build-up. These individuals are three times more likely to experience permanent tooth loss.³

Does alcohol cause tooth decay?

Many alcoholic drinks, such as cocktails, contain sugar that can coat your teeth’s surface and lead to tooth decay over time. Other alcoholic drinks, like beer and wine, contain acid that can also produce an overgrowth of bacteria, which can cause tooth decay.⁴ Acid from alcohol can also weaken your teeth and make them more prone to damage.

Can alcohol cause gum disease?

Alcohol creates bad bacteria in your mouth. The more alcoholic drinks you consume, the more likely it is that bad bacteria will accumulate. The bad bacteria can lead to gum disease and other oral health issues.

Drinking an excessive amount of alcohol can also weaken your immune system and impair your body’s ability to fight off infections, including gum infections and gum disease.⁵ You can learn other ways to prevent gum disease in addition to watching your alcohol intake.

Can alcohol cause dry mouth?

Alcohol can cause a significant decrease in saliva. With little to no saliva in your mouth, this can lead to temporary or constant dry mouth. Without enough saliva, bacteria clings to your enamel rather than being washed away naturally. Because of this, your mouth has a greater risk of damage from decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues.

How can you maintain your oral health if you drink alcohol?

If you're going to drink alcohol, here are some tips to help keep your mouth healthy:

Drink responsibly and in moderation.

Balancing your alcohol consumption with a healthy lifestyle is important. If you think you have a problem with alcohol addiction, learn more about signs of alcohol and substance use and talk with your doctor or dentist to get help.

Drink plenty of water.

Drinking water before, during, and after ingesting alcohol is vital to stay hydrated and reduce the impact of sugars and acids on your teeth. Water helps wash away anything that may cause tooth decay and prevent dry mouth.

Brush and floss your teeth daily.

If you consume alcohol, even in moderation, brushing and flossing your teeth will help prevent tartar and plaque build-up. Drinking colored alcohol, such as red wine and dark beer, can stain your teeth, so brushing and flossing regularly can help keep your teeth white and healthy. Make sure you know how to brush your teeth properly to keep them healthy and strong.

Visit your dentist regularly.

Make regular visits to the dentist to help reduce tartar build-up and risk of tooth decay. While you’re there, be honest with your dentist about your alcohol consumption. Dentists may be able to identify early stages of alcohol addiction in patients by the state of their gums and teeth.