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[Oral condition of abstaining alcoholics. A case-control study]
Else Hornecker1, Hannelore Ehrenreich, Thorsten Muuss
1Abt. Zahnerhaltung, Präventive Zahnheilkunde und Parodontologie, Zentrum Zahn-, Mund- und Kieferheilkunde, Georg-August-Universität, Göttingen.
Schweizer Monatsschrift Fur Zahnmedizin = Revue Mensuelle Suisse D'Odonto-Stomatologie = Rivista Mensile Svizzera Di Odontologia E Stomatologia
|February 19, 2004
Summary
Long-term alcohol addiction significantly increases the risk of severe periodontal disease and tooth loss. Abstinent alcoholics showed higher rates of periodontal breakdown compared to non-drinkers.
Area of Science:
- Oral health research
- Periodontology
- Addiction studies
Context:
- Investigating the oral health status of individuals with long-term severe alcohol addiction.
- Comparing oral health parameters between abstinent alcoholics and non-drinking controls.
Purpose:
- To assess the oral condition, including dental caries and periodontal health, in long-term severely alcohol-addicted individuals.
- To identify significant differences in oral health parameters between alcohol-addicted persons and a control group.
Summary:
- A case-control study involving 28 abstinent alcoholics and 30 non-drinking smokers revealed significant differences in M-T, DMF-T (decayed, missing, and filled teeth), and PBI (papillary bleeding index).
- Alcoholics exhibited higher rates of severe periodontal pockets (CPI 4) and a greater risk of periodontal breakdown and tooth loss.
- While caries indices (DMF-T) and gingival inflammation (QHI) showed no significant differences, periodontal status was markedly worse in the alcoholic group.
Impact:
- Findings highlight the substantial risk of severe periodontal disease and tooth loss associated with long-term alcohol addiction.
- Results support the hypothesis that excessive alcohol consumption may accelerate the progression of chronic periodontal disease.
- Emphasizes the need for targeted oral health interventions for individuals with severe alcohol addiction.