Oral health in alcohol misusers

Area of Science:

• Oral Health
• Addiction Medicine
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Chronic alcohol misuse is prevalent in South East London.
• High alcohol consumption is linked to various health issues, including oral health problems.
• Previous studies, particularly from the US, suggest compromised dental health in alcohol misusers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the dental and oral mucosal health of chronic alcohol misusers in South East London.
• To investigate the relationship between alcohol consumption, smoking, and oral health parameters.
• To evaluate nutritional status in this population.

Main Methods:

• 107 chronic alcohol misusers underwent interviews on alcohol consumption and completed dental/oral mucosal examinations.
• Nutritional status was assessed using body mass index (BMI) and mid-arm muscle circumference.
• Dental parameters included plaque index, pocket depths, DMFT, tooth wear, attrition, and mucosal trauma/lesions.

Main Results:

• 94% consumed >50 units/week alcohol; 81% reported both smoking and alcohol misuse.
• No correlation between alcohol consumption and plaque/pocket depths; smoking correlated positively with these.
• Tooth wear and attrition were more prevalent; 25% experienced trauma; 7 mucosal lesions detected (1 carcinoma).
• 21% were malnourished (BMI < 20).

Conclusions:

• Dental health in this sample of UK alcohol misusers is not compromised, contrasting with some US reports.
• Oral mucosal health is a significant concern, with high rates of lesions and trauma.
• Malnutrition is prevalent, and smoking is strongly associated with poor periodontal indicators.