Read in the article:
- How alcohol affects teeth
- Causes of toothache when drinking alcohol
- The dangers of drinking alcohol to relieve toothache
- How to relieve toothache after alcohol
It is not necessary to have thinned enamel to suffer from pain after drinking cognac, vodka or whiskey. Ethanol is a heavy poison and neurotoxin that undermines the immune system and affects the psycho-emotional state. Alcohol washes away calcium, which is part of the mineralized tissue of teeth. Because of this, people suffer from pain that is difficult to relieve with painkillers.
How does alcohol affect teeth?
There is a myth that vodka can disinfect the oral cavity and fight bacteria that cause caries or gum disease. In fact, the effect is the opposite - alcoholic drinks corrode the mucous membrane, which increases the likelihood of inflammation. Even low-alcohol cocktails wash away calcium in huge quantities, and dentin consists of it. Consequently, tissues suffer from a deficiency of this mineral and become brittle, which increases the likelihood of cracks and holes. As practice shows, alcoholics are 30% more likely to develop dental caries.
Teeth and gums also weaken because zinc, iron, phosphorus, and magnesium are additionally washed out. This causes bleeding gums. It is much worse that the soft tissues are destroyed, so the support of the teeth weakens. Increases the chance of falling out. Alcoholics face the problem of tooth loss in the third stage, when the body is in critical condition.
Fruit juices and nectars
According to data, most juices have a low pH
, so they are dangerous for teeth. For example,
- Orange juice pH is about 3.5
- Pineapple juice pH is about 3.5
- pH of grape juice is about 3.2
But apple juice’s pH value is in perfect order: 5.5.
Nectars, by the way, are even more dangerous than juices, since they contain a high sugar content, which is harmful to teeth without any “buts”. So if you still want to drink juice or nectar, dilute it with water by about half.
Causes of toothache when drinking alcohol
Alcoholic drinks affect the natural microflora of the oral cavity. Because of this, pathogenic bacteria spread, causing caries and gum damage. The sensitivity of tissues increases, so alcoholics cannot drink hot or cold drinks - pain immediately appears.
It is necessary to take into account the fact that alcoholic beverages contain acids. This includes wine, champagne, port, cognac, and cocktails. The acid burns the mucous membrane and thins the tooth enamel. Therefore, periodontal disease, caries, and erosion develop. The natural shade changes, the color becomes yellow-gray. If a person already has fillings, dentures, bridges or implants installed, they become fragile and wear out. Often, alcoholics' fillings fall out, which leads to critical consequences - pathogenic microflora leads to inflammation of the root, which subsequently causes tooth extraction.
It is much worse if a person has expensive implants and drinks strong drinks. The probability that the implant will fly out or will not take root is very high. In the future, the doctor is unlikely to be able to install a new implant. Therefore, after surgery you need to give up drinking 100%.
Dentists identify the following causes of acute pain after drinking strong drinks:
- Pulpitis.
- Hypothermia.
- Inflammation of the trigeminal nerve.
- Caries.
- Stress.
- Thinning of enamel.
- Angina pectoris.
- Root cyst.
If you experience any discomfort after eating, contact your dentist immediately.
Alcohol consumption
Drinking alcohol after teeth whitening is not prohibited . It does not adversely affect tooth enamel. But some types of alcohol are undesirable to use, so you should find out what kind of alcohol you can use after teeth whitening. Dyes after such a procedure are harmful to the enamel, and if they are present in the drink, you should refrain from drinking it. Prohibited products include :
- Red wine. It contains many natural dyes.
- Low alcohol drinks and cocktails.
- Any alcohol from the refrigerator.
Whitening is considered a safe dental procedure with no complications. But it is only such if it is performed professionally and the patient observes precautions. Drinking alcohol after brushing your teeth is not prohibited, but you need to monitor its temperature and composition. How long to be careful is determined individually , depending on the characteristics of the procedure and the body.
The dangers of drinking alcohol to relieve toothache
Often people want to save money on painkillers. They motivate this not only by savings, but also by safety. Supposedly, vodka is a pure product that does not contain dangerous chemicals. In fact, drinking alcohol before or after dental treatment only makes the situation worse. Firstly, the microflora deteriorates and the volume of pathogenic bacteria increases. Secondly, the enamel becomes thinner, which leads to cracks.
If you are planning a trip to the dentist, then drinking is prohibited. The reaction of anesthesia with alcohol is very strong, which can cause respiratory arrest or seizures. In this case, blood clotting is impaired, so there can be enormous blood loss and you will have to call an ambulance. It is much worse if the anesthesia does not work at all and the tooth is pulled out without pain relief. The terrible pain can cause a person to lose consciousness.
Tea
Tea, so popular among us, is fundamentally safe for teeth.
. Here you should remember that we are talking about the tea that you brew in the morning, and not about the drink in a plastic bottle called “ice tea”, “ice tea”, “iced tea”, etc.
According to this material, green tea has the highest pH level
, it is slightly lower for chamomile and mint teas. The pH level of black tea is from 4.9 to 5.5. But hibiscus has a very low pH level, about 2.5, which means this tea is unsafe for teeth.
Bottled “iced” teas are drinks in the same range as a variety of colas. Their pH ranges on average from 2.5 to 3.5. In addition, they are loaded with sugar beyond measure, which makes such drinks real enemies of the teeth.
How to relieve toothache after alcohol?
Visit your dentist right away to have your mouth examined and take photographs to evaluate the condition of the roots. No folk methods will help solve the problem, much less another glass of vodka. It is important to deal with the root cause. If after complex treatment a person does not stop drinking, there will be serious consequences.
You will get rid of alcoholism 100% anonymously. Inpatient and outpatient treatment programs have been developed, including:
- Detoxification – removing toxins from the body, replenishing mineral/vitamin deficiencies, restoring water-salt balance.
- Medical and social rehabilitation - work in groups, drug therapy, visits to a psychologist.
- Social and psychological rehabilitation.
- Social adaptation.
You can get a free consultation and make an appointment with a narcologist by calling 8.
Sweet carbonated drinks
Here, unlike kefir, there can be no two opinions: soda = harm to teeth and more
. You've probably seen videos and programs that voiced the sugar content in a glass of cola (~8 spoons!).
The pH of sweet carbonated water is only 2-3, which is very bad for teeth. A number of studies have established a direct connection between soda and caries, but the matter is not limited to caries alone, since such drinks also cause more serious health problems, including type 2 diabetes.
So it is better to avoid drinking this kind of drink. At the very least, drink soda in very moderation and through a straw.
.
When and what can you eat after tooth extraction?
If the operation went without complications, then eating is allowed 2-3 hours after tooth extraction. In this case, it is desirable that the products do not fall into the molar socket.
For 2–3 days, avoid hard, spicy, sour, salty, and hot foods. Food should be soft and gentle. In the first 2 days, the diet is based on various purees, yoghurts, mousses, and soft cereals. Ice cream is allowed 2 hours after the procedure. A cold product helps reduce swelling and relieves stress - especially in children.
Alcohol after dental treatment – possible complications
Alcoholic drinks will not make recovery easier after extraction of a molar, incisor or canine. In addition, painkillers have a long elimination period from the body - from 48 hours to several days. Drinking alcohol will increase their side effects and increase the load on the kidneys and liver. The rate of elimination of anesthetic metabolites from the body may decrease.
The following complications develop when drinking alcohol:
- tooth socket burn;
- penetration of ethanol into bone structures;
- increased pain;
- decreased rate of blood clot formation;
- washing out the fibrin clot.
Alveolitis develops when drinking alcohol - inflammation of the tooth socket due to burns and infection with pathogenic flora. This reduces the rate of tissue regeneration and increases the duration of the rehabilitation period.
After tooth extraction, antibiotics are prescribed to prevent bacterial infection. While taking them, drinking alcohol is prohibited. But the most dangerous in this case are metronidazole drugs. The active substance blocks the production of enzymes that convert ethanol into water and acetic acid. Acetaldehyde accumulates in the body. This is the strongest poison.
What is allowed to drink
Within 48 hours after tooth extraction, you are allowed to drink tea, milk, and non-acidic compotes. All liquids should be at a pleasant temperature and not burn the fabric. During this time, alcohol is strictly prohibited. And in case of complications - until complete recovery.
How long does it take to drink alcohol after tooth extraction?
Minimum 48 hours for elimination of anesthetic metabolites. Dentists recommend giving up alcohol for 7-10 days. If complications develop, then until complete epithelization of the wound.
Alcohol after dental implantation
Implantation is a complex and expensive dental operation. Most often, doctors carry out it in 2 stages. This involves removing the remainder of the old tooth, a healing period, and then installing an implant. When installing a dental structure on the upper jaw, additional intervention is often required to lift the bottom of the maxillary sinus and build up bone tissue.
At all stages, dentists prescribe antibiotics to suppress pathogenic flora. The implant survival time is up to 6 months, then a crown or fixed prosthesis is installed.
Alcohol is prohibited at all stages of implant installation:
- in preparation for surgery;
- 2 days after the procedure to remove the anesthetic;
- up to 7 days when taking antibiotics;
- until the wound surface is completely healed if complications develop.
The oral mucosa heals slowly after interventions. Drinking alcohol will cause burns to young tissue. In addition, ethanol provokes pressure surges. This reduces the rate of implant survival and there is a risk of rejection.
The cost of implantation of 1 tooth averages from 35,000 rubles and more. You shouldn't risk your health and money for a glass of alcohol. Rejection of the implant and the development of complications due to alcohol intake are not covered by warranty. Treatment will have to be paid out of your own pocket.
Other complications in which drinking alcohol is prohibited
Any complications that arise after tooth extraction or any other operations in the maxillofacial system are an indication for giving up alcohol.
In what cases is alcohol prohibited:
- alveolitis;
- bleeding from the wound;
- dislocation of adjacent teeth;
- jaw fracture;
- damage to the maxillary sinus when removing a tooth from the upper jaw;
- plastic surgery of the oral mucosa;
- development of stomatitis, herpes after tooth extraction;
- removal of an impacted molar with suturing.
Alcohol will not relieve stress, reduce fear, or relieve pain. And if the doctor sees that the patient is suffering from depression, he will refuse to perform the operation. By giving up alcohol, you will make tooth extraction easier for both yourself and the dentist. And speed up tissue restoration during the rehabilitation period.
Beer
Interesting fact: the same pH scale that we so actively rely on in this material was developed by brewers, more precisely, by the Carlsberg brewing laboratory back in 1909. This is discussed in this material. There is also information about the average hydrogen index of beer, which is 4
, which makes the foamy drink an enemy of the teeth.
Like other alcoholic drinks, beer negatively affects the condition of enamel and is also one of the causes of dry mouth. And when there is no saliva, bacteria “work” on your teeth with redoubled force.
However, beer also has beneficial properties.
. This drink contains a lot of minerals and nutrients, including silicon, which bones need. Strong bones ensure that your teeth will stay in place if you take proper care of them. Silicon is especially needed for those who suffer from osteoporosis.