Cinco De Drinko: Alcohol and Oral Health
May 5 is a regular day for some, but for others, it’s a day of drinking and (sometimes) debauchery whose after-effects are more often than not translated into splitting headaches, general misery, and hindsight regret the following morning. Formerly known as “Cinco de Mayo,”what is it called now if not Cinco de Mayo? and informally referred to as “Cinco de Drinko,” this holiday is not for the faint of heart. While many of us assume that our liver and psyche are the only things at risk after a night of hard drinking, this mentality couldn’t be more wrong. There is a line-up of consequences associated with the over consumption of alcohol, and decreased dental health is one of the starting players. So what do you need to know before you toss back that those tequila shots tomorrow?
For starters:
Alcohol is a dehydrator
That’s why the first piece of drinking advice many of us received was “stay hydrated.” What this means for your gums, tongue, and oral tissue is that over time they can become excessively dry and irritated. The over consumption of alcohol can also affect your body’s salivary glands, which play an important role in maintaining the balance, lubrication, and overall health of the oral cavity. Ethanol, a byproduct of the fermentation process that yields drinking alcohol, is a neurotoxin, meaning it is inherently destructive to nerve tissue. If your mouth is exposed to ethanol for a prolonged period of time, the body converts it into acetaldehyde, which manifests as an unpleasant burning sensation.
Dehydration is linked to Oral Cancers
A dehydrated oral cavity increases the risk of oral cancers. How? Well, when your cell walls are dry oral tissues are more sensitive to cancer causing carcinogens–a very scary thought.
Gum Disease Isn’t Far Behind
Periodontal (a fancy way to say “gum”) disease is another byproduct of alcohol abuse. The primary cause of such diseases is the separation of the teeth from the gum and jaw bones. When more of the tooth structure becomes exposed the nerves within aren’t protected, so extreme sensitivity to both heat and cold develops. If you’ve ever had a cavity you can probably imagine the feeling.
You’ll Do the Bad Kind of Grinding
No, this isn’t the kind of grinding that happens in dimly lit corners of nightclubs; this is tooth grinding, and it can cause quite a lot of pain. When you drink your inhibitions are lowered, which in turn causes heightened emotional reactions. As a result, you may find yourself grinding and clenching your jaw; this can even happen in your sleep. Over time, grinding can cause tooth fractures and cracks, and if you’re a cheek or tongue biter you could even be at risk for ulcers of the mouth.
Despite the drawbacks of alcohol, we’re not saying you shouldn’t put your tallest party hat on for Cinco de Mayo, because you totally should. It simply goes back to the old adage of “everything in moderation.” If you know you’re planning a “Hangover” level night of celebration for Cinco de Mayo consider cutting back on your social drinking the week before and after. You should also make it a point to consume A LOT of water, along with fruits like watermelon that have a high water content and provide natural hydration. Fitness is also a huge factor in bouncing back from a rough night, and for overall health. So, do try to sneak in a workout or two to counterbalance the effects of your drinking. Most importantly: Party hard, but stay safe.
