Why Saliva Is So Important

Saliva does much more than keep your mouth comfortable. It helps rinse away food particles, neutralize acids produced by bacteria, and deliver minerals that strengthen tooth enamel. Saliva also contains natural enzymes and proteins that help control bacterial growth. When your body becomes dehydrated, saliva production decreases, leaving your teeth and gums with less protection and creating an environment where harmful bacteria can thrive. Even mild dehydration over time can increase your risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath, making it important to stay hydrated for the sake of your smile.  

How Low Saliva Levels Increase Cavity Risk

A dry mouth allows cavity-causing bacteria to remain on your teeth longer. Without enough saliva to wash away sugars and acids, plaque can build up more quickly and begin eroding your enamel. As enamel weakens, your risk of tooth decay rises. You may also notice persistent bad breath, a sticky feeling in your mouth, or difficulty swallowing, which are all common signs that your mouth isn’t producing enough saliva.

Dehydration and Gum Health

Your gums also need saliva to stay healthy. Reduced saliva allows harmful bacteria to collect along your gumline, increasing inflammation and irritation. Over time, this can contribute to gum disease by causing gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis, a more advanced infection that damages the tissues and bone supporting your teeth.

Keep Your Smile Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is one of the simplest ways to keep your body healthy and protect your oral health. Limiting sugary drinks, chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva, and maintaining good brushing and flossing habits can also help. However, if you notice that you frequently experience dry mouth or other signs of lack of saliva, schedule a visit with your dentist to determine the cause and discuss treatments that can help protect your teeth and gums.

The post How Dehydration Impacts Your Teeth and Gums appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Whether you enjoy a drink a day, a few times a week, or rarely, here’s what you need to know
in regards to alcohol consumption and your dental health.

Increases Damage to Tooth Enamel

Alcohol is very acidic with many drinks containing a pH of around 3-4. With alcohol being so
corrosive, enjoying this beverage can cause your tooth enamel to erode and create weak spots
that are susceptible to tooth decay, discoloration, or tooth sensitivity.

When areas of your tooth enamel are eroded away, your teeth aren’t protected and are more
at risk to experience problems. To keep alcohol from ruining your tooth enamel, be sure to sip
water with your drink and always wait 30 minutes after consuming alcohol to brush your teeth.

More Oral Plaque

Since many forms of alcohol contain sugar, these drinks put you at risk to experience more
plaque on your pearly whites. Plaque is an accumulation of bacteria that feels fuzzy on your
teeth. If left unchecked, this material can harden into tartar, which is impossible to remove at
home.

When drinking alcohol, it’s easy for plaque to build up in your mouth, making tooth decay and
gum disease more likely. In order to keep your mouth plaque-free, it’s imperative to brush
twice a day and visit your dentist for regular cleanings.

Higher Risk of Oral Cancer

Abusing alcohol is the second largest risk factor for getting oral cancer. Oral cancers include
those of the mouth, tongue, throat, lips, and cheeks. Alcohol increases your risk for oral cancer;
in fact, alcohol is a risk factor for many cancers.

The good news is that many oral cancers have a high survival rate of 84% if caught early. Your
dentist can perform an oral cancer screening during your appointment and talk with you about
your risk for oral cancer.

Alcohol Causes Dry Mouth

Since alcohol actually dehydrates your body, it causes dry mouth. Dry mouth has more of an
impact on your oral health than you think. Without proper saliva production, your tooth
enamel is more at risk to be damaged.

Saliva also helps to balance bacteria, so without enough of it, the mouth turns acidic and
bacteria can attack the tooth enamel. This not only increases your risk for tooth decay but can
also cause bad breath.

Alcohol’s dehydrating effect on the mouth can also make oral tissues more susceptible to toxins
and carcinogens, such as those found in cigarette smoke. If you do choose to drink, staying
hydrated with water is important!

No matter how much you drink, it’s important to know how alcohol affects your oral cavity to
understand your risk of health problems such as oral cancer, tooth decay, and dry mouth. Be
sure to follow up with your dentist to ensure your smile is healthy if you enjoy alcohol, even in
moderation!

The post Can Alcohol Affect Your Dental Health? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.