Receding Gums Can Happen If You Drink Too Much Alcohol
Posted on 5/24/2021 by Amir Hosseini, DDS
Moderate alcohol consumption (especially red wine) can be good for your gum and teeth, but excessive consumption can make gum disease worse. Besides, it can also cause gum recession. A study published in the Journal of Periodontology revealed that people who consume alcohol excessively have worse receding gums than those who drink moderately. This underlines the importance of consuming alcohol moderately or, if possible, quit it altogether.
Alcohol and Gum Receding
Several researchers have measured the impact alcohol can have on gum disease. It was found that certain bacteria were present in alcohol users than those who don't drink. Some of the bacteria found include Eikenella corrodens, Prevotella intermedia, and Fusobacterium nucleatum. Doctors have also linked Fusobacterium nucleatum to fostering the growth of cancer. Apart from these bacteria, researchers also found that those who drink excessive alcohol had higher inflammatory chemical levels. The continued presence of these chemicals on your gums can cause them to recede. This is why we advise that you consume alcohol moderately or, if possible, quit it altogether.
Preventing Receding Gums
If you take alcohol regularly and don't want to get receding gums, you can put some measures in place to prevent it. To begin with, the most common cause of gum recession is dehydration. Therefore, when consuming alcohol, always ensure that you are not dehydrated. You can do so by interspersing alcohol with water to maintain high hydration levels. Besides, you should regularly visit our offices for dental checks to see any signs of gum recession. Our periodontists will assess your gums and stop any condition from getting worse. We also advise that you cut back on alcohol consumption if you notice any symptoms of gum disease. The most common symptom is bleeding or swollen gums. Visit our offices for more information on how alcohol causes gum recession.
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Moderate alcohol consumption (especially red wine) can be good for your gum and teeth, but excessive consumption can make