Alcohol, alcoholism, and dental treatment

The purpose of this article is to inform the dental clinician about the prevalence of alcohol use and abuse and to provide a summary of the effects of alcohol on the body. In addition, the implications of alcohol use and alcoholism as related to dental treatment are examined to aid the practitioner in recognizing and diagnosing alcohol abuse. The increased use of alcohol in all age groups and the increased number of people using, abusing, and becoming dependent upon alcohol requires the practicing dentist to be aware of its many effects.