The new tabacco

Something I chat about with my patients or anyone who will listen, is the relative places of sugar, alcohol and tobacco in the hierarchy of things that are harmful and which of sugar and alcohol will receive health warnings next.

Well it looks like things are afoot and alcohol will be the next foodstuff, aka “ingestible product” to receive a health warning. Or it will be if the AMA and RACGP have their way

ADA where are you? Hello work with our brothers in health please!

We have a number of friends who are wine growers or makers and I have wondered for a while how they may be affected when this comes to pass, as surely it will. Maybe the industry got distracted by the problems with the export market to China.

It is notable that many in the alcohol business have started reworking their product without the alcohol. With beers it seems to be quite successful but wines are still a problem.

There are a number of alcohol free spirits and some of these are quite palatable as well. In fact, I recently bought some shares in a producer as I think that the shift to reducing alcohol intake has already started.  And yes, it's an ultra processed food but I’m not perfect. I’m conflicted about it.😉

What's our role as dental professionals in all of this? How often do we talk with our patients about their alcohol intake and the effects on their teeth, their risk of cancer, their weight, inflammation, their sleep?

Do we do it with every patient that reports alcohol in the diet? Or do we save it for those with sensitive teeth or tooth wear? Or those that smoke as well? I know I'm not systematic about it. It can be a bit awkward.

Where is our professional body? The voice of the dental profession is small but in concert with our medical cousins we can start to get some traction. We need to be working together. Come on ADA, jump on the coattails of our more influential brothers and sisters.

We all keep harping on that the mouth is connected to the body; surely it's time for us to become more active about a product that has such a big impact on health and wellbeing. 

Alcohol is about more than oral cancers; let’s get into educating our patients.

Have a great week

Rosie