Alcohol teeth health

Alcohol use is very common in our society. American youth use more alcohol than tobacco, or drugs. Use of alcohol has immediate consequences that may increase the risk of many harmful conditions.

Sale of beer to minors is our state's largest drug problem. Every year, alcohol kills more children than tobacco and illicit drugs combined. Among young people, use of alcohol and other drugs associated with unintentional injuries, fights, low academic scores, professional problems, and wrongful conduct. Long-term alcohol abuse is associated with liver disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurological damage, and mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and antisocial personality disorder.

Excessive drinking means drinking more than two drinks a day on average for men and more than one drink a day, on average, for women. Drunkenness consists of five or more drinks during a single occasion for men, and four or more drinks during a single occasion for women. Excessive alcohol use can lead to increased risk of health problems such as liver disease or unintentional injury not only the body but the teeth. Long-term consumption of alcohol can cause major salivary glands and reducing the flow of saliva.

Less saliva available, mouth unable to neutralize the acid, which leads to more caries. Alcohol in combination with frequent sweet drinks and poor oral hygiene increases the risk of caries and gum disease.

Many drinkers also smoke tobacco; this combination increases the risk of gum disease and oral cancer. Some oral cancers, especially language and floor of the mouth, develops in people who like alcohol and tobacco products. Nutrient deficiency in alcoholics are common; symptoms include a smooth shiny language, cracks in the corners of the mouth, and gingivitis...