As one of the most commonly consumed substances globally, alcohol has long been associated with various health effects. Among the potential negative side effects of excessive alcohol consumption is a lesser-known concern: gum disease. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a serious condition that affects the supporting tissues around the teeth, leading to inflammation, gum recession, and, in extreme cases, tooth loss. Although oral problems are among the most common side effects of meth, understanding the relationship between alcohol and gum disease sheds light on yet another reason to be mindful of long-term drinking’s potential effects on overall well-being.
Our Florida luxury drug and alcohol rehab is diving into the relationship between alcoholism and gum disease, examining the associated risk factors and highlighting the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene practices for better overall health.
What Is Gum Disease?
As we previously touched on, gum disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place, otherwise referred to as your gums. Also known as periodontal disease, it’s typically caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque – a sticky film of bacteria – to grow and harden on your teeth.
The telltale signs of gum disease are swollen, red, bleeding gums. It’s common for individuals with this disease to notice bleeding in their gums whenever they do brush or floss their teeth.
Individuals with periodontal disease may also experience symptoms like:
- Sensitive teeth
- Pain while chewing
- Persistent bad breath
- Gums that pull away from the teeth, making them look longer
Gum disease usually occurs in stages:
- Gingivitis: This is the early stage of gum disease and is marked by inflammation of the gums. Common symptoms during this stage include redness, swelling, and pain or tenderness of the gums. At this stage, bone and connective tissues that hold the teeth in place aren’t affected, and the condition is reversible with the proper care and hygiene.
- Periodontitis: If gingivitis is left untreated, then it can progress into gum or periodontitis disease. In this stage, the infection begins to affect the deeper tissues of the gums, causing the formation of pockets between the gums and teeth. Over time, the bone that supports the teeth can deteriorate, causing tooth looseness and loss.
Can Alcohol Cause Gum Disease?
Gum disease can be caused by various factors, including poor oral hygiene, smoking, medical conditions like diabetes, hormonal changes, and genetics. One cause of gum disease that many don’t know about, however, is alcohol. It’s common for people to experience tender or swollen gums after drinking alcohol.
There’s a significant connection between alcoholism and gum disease, as alcohol is found to increase the risk of developing gingivitis and, eventually, periodontitis. Alcohol can cause gum diseases for various reasons, such as:
- Dry mouth: Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine production and can lead to dehydration. When dehydrated, it’s common for people to experience dry mouth, a condition where there’s insufficient saliva production. Saliva plays a major role in sustaining oral health, as it helps wash away food particles, neutralizes acids, and fights harmful bacteria. A dry mouth is, therefore, an environment where bacteria can grow and thrive, which can contribute to the development of gum disease.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Heavy drinking can interfere with proper nutrient absorption, contributing to nutritional deficiencies related to vitamins and minerals essential for gum health. For instance, Vitamin C is critical for wound healing, including the gums, and low levels of this vitamin can contribute to gum disease.
- Poor immune system: Long-term alcohol abuse weakens the immune system, preventing it from fighting off bacteria that cause gum disease.
- Irritation and inflammation: If your gums hurt after drinking alcohol, this could be a sign of developing gum disease. Alcohol can irritate and inflame the gums, and long-term drinking can therefore increase the likelihood of gum disease.
While moderate alcohol consumption may not disrupt gum health, excessive or chronic consumption of alcohol and gum disease are strongly interlinked. If you’re concerned about your alcohol consumption or oral health, it’s crucial that you reach out to a medical professional or dentist as soon as possible.
Getting Help for Alcoholism
Gum disease isn’t the only possible repercussion of long-term drinking. Alcohol is notorious for its abuse and addiction potential, as many people who begin to drink heavily and frequently develop a dependence on it.
If you find yourself unable to control your alcohol consumption, talk to a medical professional as soon as possible. Alcoholism not only causes physical problems like gum disease and cancer but can also impact a person’s job and relationships.
When you or someone you care about needs help quitting drinking or drugs, our residential addiction treatment in Palm Beach can help. We offer both inpatient and outpatient services for all kinds of addictions and mental health disorders at a high-end rehab that spares no expense when it comes to comfort.
To learn more about our alcohol addiction treatment and luxury detox services, call Seaside Palm Beach today at 561-677-9374 or contact us online, and an admission specialist will reach out to you as soon as possible.
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