At the 35th Annual Conference of the Indian Society for Dental Research (ISDR) being held from 19 - 21 September, 2025, Dr. Ashwini Y.B. explained how alcohol silently erodes oral health from the very first sip. We often hear that alcohol is harmful to the liver and body, but the damage begins much earlier right inside the mouth, he added. 

“Our mouth has a delicate protective lining called the mucosa. Alcohol dries it out almost instantly. This dryness weakens the lining, triggers painful blisters and makes the mouth far more vulnerable to infections,” he said.

But that’s just the start. Alcohol also reduces the flow of saliva—the mouth’s natural cleansing system. Without enough saliva, harmful bacteria thrive, infections spread faster, and over time, the risk of developing oral cancer increases.

Dr. Ashwini also issued a stark warning about mixing alcohol with tobacco:
“This deadly combination multiplies the risk of serious oral diseases, including cancers. Unfortunately, it’s a habit far too common, specially in India.”

Experts at the conference urged the public to recognize early warning signs such as persistent mouth dryness, sores, or discomfort and to take them seriously. 

They stressed that protecting oral health is not just about brushing twice a day, but also about making smarter lifestyle choices.