There are many lifestyle risks that can lead to dental problems. Here we tackle some of the main culprits: smoking, alcohol and drugs.

Even if the decision is not to quit, there are still things you can do to lessen the effects of alcohol and nicotine and give yourself the best chance of avoiding the more serious side-effects.

SmokingSmoking hides the signs of gum disease, sometimes for years. The condition can be very advanced before you notice any damage.

The chemicals in smoke affect the blood supply to your teeth and gums and they also thicken your saliva preventing it from doing its job of neutralising food acids and protecting your teeth during the day.

Smoking still remains the biggest risk factor in developing mouth cancer. This is often difficult to spot in its early stages.

AlcoholThe main threat to your teeth and gums comes from the sugar content in alcohol (including beer) which breaks down to form acid and attacks your mouth.

Heavy alcohol use (defined as more than four standard drinks on one occasion) combined with smoking will give you a 15 times greater risk of developing mouth cancer.

Alcohol’s dehydrating effects along with your body’s lowered immunity mean that you are more likely to contract things like oral cancer and you’ll be less able to fight off oral (and other) diseases.

Drugs (illegal and prescription)Drugs of all descriptions can lead to dental problems. Some prescribed medications can cause tooth erosion either because they are acidic or because they cause a dry mouth which means that your natural defence against acid attack (your saliva) is compromised.

The regular use of illegal drugs can also cause lots of damage.

Cannabis, cocaine, ecstacy, heroin and methamphetamine (amongst other illegal drugs) can cause a variety of side-effects that affect your mouth including dry mouth, teeth grinding, jaw clenching and acid attack. All of these can lead to serious mouth problems including tooth erosion, gum disease and oral cancer.

What can you do?The obvious solution is often the hardest one. Giving up can be difficult (or impossible if you rely on a prescription drug that you take) but there are people and organisations out there that can help. If you would like to find help, have a look at the list at the end of this leaflet.

Even if you don’t decide to quit, you can still try and lessen the effects of alcohol, smoking and drugs.

• Follow the How to Brush and How to Floss guides to make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep your teeth and gums clean

• If you find you often forget to do this after a night out, leave your toothbrush on your pillow before you go out to remind you when you get in

• Swish a mouthful of water around every so often when you’re smoking and drinking to increase saliva and rinse away sugars and acid in your mouth

• On your way home from a night out, chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva and get rid of harmful sugars and acid

Adult Lifestyle Risks

Join The Fight Against Tooth Decay

Professional Resources

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For more information on oral health and looking after your mouth, visit www.dentalhealthweek.com.au