Alcohol, though enjoyable in a drunkard or even a connoisseur’s intoxicated state, is known to not only waste internal organs – but teeth as well. Alcohol is a napalm bomb of sugars, which, when metabolized by the saliva in the mouth, almost turns immediately into plaque. And situation gets worse because almost every drunkard forgets to brush his/her teeth after drinking a bottle full of spirits.
Gin, rummy, wine, vodka, whiskey, brandy and all sorts of alcoholic concoctions (and not to mention beer) have high concentrations of sugar. Sweet wines that have found their way into the mainstream liquor market are also taking center stage in being the primary cause of plaque and tooth decay on binging adolescents and adults. Sugar is the sole catalyst in defining sweet wine from dry wine.
Grapes and apples are two of the primary ingredients used in wine. Both of these fruits, when fermented, convert sugar into alcohol. Some of the fruit will not be fermented, turning some of the extract into residual sugar, which is another danger to teeth, even at a measly 1% to 3% content – meaning not even dry wine is completely free from sugar. Winemakers have also been deliberately adding sugar (sucrose) to wine to boost its alcoholic content.
As mentioned earlier, alcohol gets metabolized into sugar, and then the sugar into plaque faster than you can wake up from a hangover. The basic knowledge that we salivate more during the course of the day than at night gives us the notion that drinking during daylight will likely speed up the deterioration of our teeth, regardless if we brush or not. In addition, the chances of contracting cancer are higher if the person is a day drinker, because the metabolism of the body is highest during the day.
Gum disease is also very rampant on alcohol drinkers. Middle-aged men are prone to periodontal disease, gingivitis and bad breath. The discouraging part is men brush their teeth only for a few minutes without even gargling thoroughly. Overnight liquor stains on teeth can’t be scraped off with just a few brush strokes. If a drinking party can’t be helped, be sure to bring alcohol-free mouthwash to the event. And to secure your dental health better, bring a toothbrush and toothpaste. It won’t hurt to come prepared.
Wine has been an essential part of the lifestyle of many people and generations to come. It’s a sinful treat to bust off a week’s heavy workload. People like it. Women find it refreshing. Men indulge in it. Teenagers try every means to hitch it into a party. Old people enjoy wine-tasting. But beyond the commendation alcohol receives, it still gets no unanimous praise from the medical world – especially from dentists. So be warned.
