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Differences in the subgingival microbial composition associated with alcohol intake: A systematic review.
Leandro Machado Oliveira1,2, Raquel Pippi Antoniazzi1,2, Flávio Fernando Demarco3,4
1Department of Stomatology, Postgraduate Program in Dentistry, Emphasis on Periodontics, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
Alcohol consumption alters subgingival microbial composition, increasing harmful bacteria like P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum. This systematic review highlights the impact of alcohol intake on oral health and periodontal pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Periodontology
- Public Health
Background:
- Subgingival microbial composition is crucial for periodontal health.
- Alcohol consumption is a widespread behavior with potential health implications.
- Understanding the link between alcohol intake and oral microbiota is essential for preventive strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate existing literature on differences in subgingival microbial composition between individuals with and without alcohol exposure.
- To identify specific bacterial changes associated with alcohol consumption in the subgingival environment.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted across five major databases and grey literature up to December 2022.
- Eligibility criteria were pre-defined, with no restrictions on publication date, language, or participant periodontal status.
- Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, followed by a narrative synthesis of findings.
Main Results:
- Eight cross-sectional studies and one nested cohort analysis, involving 4636 participants, were included.
- Significant heterogeneity was observed in participant characteristics and microbiological methods across studies.
- Individuals exposed to alcohol showed a higher overall quantity of periodontal pathogens, particularly in deeper pockets.
Conclusions:
- Alcohol consumption is associated with an increased abundance of key periodontal pathogens, including red-complex (e.g., P. gingivalis) and orange-complex (e.g., F. nucleatum) bacteria.
- Findings regarding microbial richness, diversity, and relative abundance were inconclusive.
- The study underscores a potential link between alcohol intake and dysbiosis in the subgingival microbiota.
