Association between alcohol consumption and dental health

Objectives: To study the association of alcohol consumption with dental health in a sample from the County of Stockholm. Material and Methods: In a longitudinal investigation, 513 individuals were examined in 1970 and 1990. Clinical and radiographic examinations were performed as well as an interview including questions on alcohol consumption. The clinical investigation consisted of the registration of the number of remaining teeth, dental restorations, caries and periodontal conditions. The marginal bone level and longitudinal bone loss were determined by assessments on the proximal surfaces of all measurable teeth on the radiographs. Stepwise multiple regression analyses were adopted to calculate the partial correlations between alcohol consumption and the investigated odontological variables. Results: The group of subjects with the highest alcohol consumption (> 5 cl pure alcohol per day) had more tooth surfaces with caries, more calculus and more teeth with apical lesions compared with those who reported an alcohol consumption <= 5 cl of pure alcohol per day. Alcohol consumption was not associated with periodontal disease. Conclusion: The observations do not support any association between alcohol consumption and periodontal disease. However, individuals with high alcohol consumption had significantly more teeth with decayed surfaces and apical lesions indicating that lifestyle-related factors may influence dental health.