From Bupa
Protecting your smile: the effects of substance abuse on your teeth and how to stop oral health deteriorating
Substance abuse is unfortunately more common than many people realise. Alcohol is a common problem affecting many age groups. The heaviest drinkers are adults aged 45 to 64, and within this group, 37% of men and 19% of women are consuming more than the recommended maximum of 14 units a week.1 In the UK, in 2021, 13.3% of people aged 18 and over smoked cigarettes, which is around 6.6 million people.2 Meanwhile, around one in 11 adults aged 16 to 59 (approximately 3 million people) reported using illegal drugs in 2022.3
The negative impact that smoking, alcohol and substance abuse can have on your overall health is widely known. What is less known however is the damage that can be done to your oral health specifically, and the consequences this can have on your body.
Here’s how substance abuse can impact your mouth:
Dry mouth (xerostomia)
Alcohol, some medications, and illegal drugs (like methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and marijuana) can reduce the flow of saliva and cause dry mouth (xerostomia). Saliva helps reduce build-up of bacteria and a dry mouth can therefore lead to higher levels of bacteria and an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease.4
Teeth grinding (Bruxism)
Bruxism, or clenching of the teeth, is a condition that can arise from the use of illegal stimulant drugs such as methamphetamine, cocaine, and ecstasy. Repetitive clenching or grinding can weaken the teeth, causing breaks and jaw pain.5
Acidic damage and tooth decay
Alcoholic drinks often have high levels of sugar and acidity in them which can be very harmful to your teeth. Regular consumption of alcohol can therefore increase the risk of tooth erosion. Added to this, there are high levels of acidity in vomit which can also cause damage to tooth enamel.6
Mouth sores and gum disease
Substances like cocaine can cause mouth sores and infections, particularly if the substance is rubbed on the gums. Lesions can make eating and speaking uncomfortable, and long-term use can also lead to severe tooth decay, gum disease and tooth loss.7
Increased risk of oral cancer
Smoking and drinking alcohol increases your risk of developing mouth cancer. Some research suggests that around 17 out of 100 types of mouth cancer in the UK are caused by smoking. Meanwhile, drinking alcohol is reported to cause around 35 out of 100 types. Smoking and drinking together further increases the risk of mouth cancer.8
Thankfully, there’s things you can do to help lessen the impact and protect your smile. Taking positive action could also help improve your self-esteem and reduce pain. Here are some simple steps you can take:
- 1. Visit the dentist regularly
Visiting a dentist at least twice a year can help maintain good oral health and prevent problems arising in future. You can also choose to visit one of our Bupa Dental Clinics where our staff are experienced in making sure you feel comfortable. - 2. Overcome dental anxiety
Many people feel anxious about visiting the dentist and this may be a challenge if you are experiencing problems with your oral health. Thankfully, there are things you can do to help make the experience less stressful. Read our dental anxiety guide for more advice: https://www.bupa.co.uk/~/media/Files/Dental-PDF/Dental_Anxiety_Guide.pdf (PDF,0.2MB). - 3. Practice good oral hygiene
Good oral hygiene can help keep your mouth healthy and reduce the risk of developing cavities, gum disease and other problems.10 Remember to brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day. You should also use floss and interdental brushes to help remove food and plaque build-up. - 4. Drink enough water
Smoking, drinking alcohol and using substances can cause a dry mouth (xerostomia), which can lead to oral health problems like tooth decay and erosion.11 Bacteria can build up in these conditions and cause damage but drinking enough water can help prevent this. You should aim for two litres of water a day - and try to avoid or limit any sugary or acidic drinks as these can lead to and worsen tooth decay. - 5. Eat a balanced diet
Your diet can help play an important part in the health of your teeth and gums. Sugary or processed foods can damage your teeth and lead to decay, gum disease and enamel erosion. Eating a balanced diet can help maintain a healthy smile and nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D and vitamin C are especially good for strengthening enamel and protecting your gums.12 - 6. Stop smoking
It’s not always clear what causes mouth cancer but you will be more at risk if you smoke tobacco. Smoking tobacco can also discolour your teeth and increase your risk of gum disease. Quitting smoking could reduce your risk of developing problems such as these and help you maintain a healthier smile for life.13 - 7. Limit alcohol
Drinking alcohol can also increase your risk of oral cancer and gum disease. Alcohol also contains high levels of sugar and acidity which can erode the enamel that protects your teeth. Reducing your alcohol intake or could help improve your oral health and could reduce your risk of cavities, tooth decay and mouth cancer. - 8. Manage bruxism (grinding your teeth)
Tooth grinding (bruxism) is sometimes related to stress or anxiety and it may also have links to illegal drug use. Severe or prolonged cases of bruxism can place pressure on the jaw joint and even lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. This can create a range of problems including pain in your jaw, difficulty chewing, headaches and more. If you’re worried about grinding your teeth, visit your dentist as they can diagnose the problem and make a referral to your GP. A dentist can also fit a mouthguard to help protect your teeth while you sleep.14
The importance of looking after your oral health
Oral health is not the first thing that comes to mind when we think about the effects of substances, but it can create serious problems for your mouth and overall wellbeing. Thankfully, you can help reduce its effects on your teeth by making these small improvements to your oral hygiene.
1 Addiction | Business | Health Horizons | Bupa UK
2 Adult smoking habits in the UK - Office for National Statistics
3 Addiction | Business | Health Horizons | Bupa UK
4 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dry-mouth/
6 https://www.dentalhealth.org/dental-erosion
7 https://rehabsuk.com/blog/the-effects-of-cocaine-on-nasal-and-oral-health/
8 Risks And Causes Of Mouth And Oropharyngeal Cancer | Cancer Research UK
9 https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-teeth-and-gums/dental-check-ups/
10 https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-teeth-and-gums/how-to-keep-your-teeth-clean/
11 https://patient.info/doctor/dry-mouth-xerostomia
12 https://www.dentalhealth.org/the-link-between-diet-and-a-healthy-smile
13 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/mouth-cancer/causes/
14 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/teeth-grinding/
