In the UK, alcohol has traditionally played a big role in culture and socialisation. However, research suggests that this may be changing. A recent YouGov survey found that young people are more likely than previous generations to opt for low and no alcohol alternatives. Young people are the biggest consumers of alcohol-free drinks, with nearly half (44 per cent) of 18-24 year olds either occasionally or regularly drinking them. This has risen from only 31 per cent doing so in 2022.
This shift appears to reflective of a general trend in the younger generation, who are now estimated to be 39 per cent tee-total – drinking no alcohol at all. In light of this, it’s intriguing to consider why this might be, and what the wider implications might be for them, their health, and for the dental profession.
Why?
Whilst in a quarter of cases, the rise in alcohol alternatives has directly caused people to cut down on alcohol, there are a myriad of other factors at play for young people. Some suggest that the drop in alcohol use is linked to the cost of living – alcohol is simply too expensive for young people to justify buying. Research also suggests that over half of UK consumers aged 18-34 are concerned about the effect alcohol has on their emotional wellbeing, suggesting that increased consideration for mental health may play a role in a person’s decision making around drinking.
Conventionally, socialising and drinking have gone hand in hand for many in the UK. However, many are specifically using alcohol-free alternatives to avoid drinking at socials events, enabling them to safely drive home at the end of the night, in turn lowering the risk of harm caused by drunk-driving. Further to this, some suggest that young women, in particular, are opting not to drink in social settings to help them feel a little safer and less vulnerable.
Additionally, research from Drink Aware suggests that young people may be more educated about the impact of alcohol on their physical health – and face less stigma than previous generations when they choose not to drink. This appears to have created a more accepting and understanding culture around alcohol, in which individuals make their own decisions about what they choose to consume and when. The fact that more young people are choosing not to drink at all, or not very often, is a very positive trend.
Implications
As is well documented, alcohol can have a massive impact on health. Excessive alcohol consumption has established links with a number of health issues including stroke, some types of cancer, depression, and liver disease, to name a few. Cutting down on alcohol can have a positive impact on mental health as, while it can temporarily make people feel good, as it wears off the withdrawal can make people feel worse. The effects of the chemicals in the brain can cause people to feel angry, depressed, or anxious.
In the short term, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to alcohol poisoning, sleep disruption, stomach issues, and migraines. In the long term, alcohol misuse can increase the risk of serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, liver disease, and cancer.
Regulated drinking for reduced mouth cancer risk
Whilst some argue that there is now considered to be no safe limit for alcohol intake, the NHS recommends drinking no more than 14 units of alcohol per week, spread across three or more days. Remaining within these guidelines is advised to lower health risks.
Alcohol is recognised as a major risk factor for mouth cancer, especially in conjunction with tobacco use. This is because alcohol damages cells, and prevents them from repairing the damage, and it can cause cells to divide, making it more likely that cancer will develop. Alcohol can also make it easier for cells in the mouth and throat to absorb carcinogens. As such, it is important that dental professionals discuss alcohol intake with their patients, and ensure they are informed about the risks of excessive drinking for their health. Recommend that patients record their intake in units, to help them stay within the guidelines more easily, with at least two alcohol free days per week.
The BeVigilant OraFusion System from Vigilant Biosciences rapidly detects oral cancer-associated biomarkers in 15 minutes or less. It offers clinicians a straightforward and accurate way to test unusual lesions, aiding in the early detection of oral cancer. Ideal for chairside use during dental appointments, it offers clinicians peace of mind in their decision making and referral processes with relation to mouth cancer.
Looking to the future
Current trends offer hope that future generations will continue to limit their alcohol intake for the sake of their mental health, overall health, and for social reasons. For any patient, decreasing the amount of alcohol consumed offers huge health benefits, including reducing the risk of mouth cancer.
References available on request.