Healthy teeth and gums depend on good oral hygiene, healthy saliva and regular visits to the dentist.

Some drugs and alcohol can cause tooth damage, so it is important that you admit to taking any drugs or frequently drinking alcohol to your dentist.

Preventing tooth damage is a better solution as dental restorations can be expensive and time consuming.

Regular intake of drugs and alcohol can cause a dry mouth and tooth erosion as most alcohols are acidic, this can also lead to an increased risk of gum problems.

Other complications from regular intake of drugs and alcohol include

• Sensitivity
• Tooth decay
• Oral cancer
• Jaw clenching
• Teeth grinding
• Gum disease

How can I look after my oral health?

To maintain good oral hygiene, you need to brush twice daily, floss and maintain 6 monthly visits to your dentist.

Treatment for drug and alcohol related teeth and gum problems are varied, feel free to discuss with your dentist in confidence and privacy about your treatment options.

If you have a drug dependence problem, consider talking to your doctor about entering a drug rehabilitation program.