Did you know that alcohol consumption can effect the mouth and increases your risk for oral cancer?
Alcohol comes in contact with the lips, tongue, gingival tissue, mucosal tissue, pharynx, esophagus and the larynx. When alcohol comes in contact it causes irritation which in turn causes an increase risk for cancer in these locations. According to the American Cancer Society, the combination of alcohol with tobacco use will more than double the trouble. The people who smoke tobacco and drink alcohol have a 15 times greater risk of developing oral cancer than those that don’t (this accounts for about 75% of oral cancers in the U.S.)
Another thing to consider with alcohol consumption is dental decay. Beer contains sugar that mixes with the acid producing bacteria in our mouth that can cause decay on the teeth just like soda pop can. Many people will mix their favorite liquor with soda and/or juices which can cause cavities also. When any form of sugar comes in contact with the bacteria in our mouth it produces an acid that eats away our enamel and causes dental decay. Alcohol also dries out the mucosal tissues by disabling the salivary glands that produce saliva to protect our teeth from decay.
According to an article published in U/S Dentistry Today it showed that 80% of alcoholics have moderate to severe gum disease and decayed teeth with more than 1/3 having potential pre-cancerous lesions. Healing after dental surgery is often poor for the alcoholic.
ALCOHOL IS ADDICTING AND ALCOHOLISM IS A DISEASE. Protect your health and seek help if you suspect you are addicted to alcohol.
