THE IMPACT OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION ON THE ORAL HEALTH STATUS – REVIEW

Alexandra Bolos, Antonela Maria Beldiman, Carina Balcos, Georgiana Macovei

DOI : 10.62610/RJOR.2025.2.17.48

ABSTRACT

Aim of the study Abusive consumption of alcohol has important consequences on the health of the oral cavity compared to people who do not consume alcohol. These people may present an increased risk of tooth decay or tooth loss, as well as periodontal diseases. According to the American Dental Hygiene Association, every one dollar spent on oral health prevention can save 8 to 50 USD in future dental costs. A multidisciplinary collaboration is necessary to help the addicted patient achieve a state of oral health that ensures an improvement in the quality of life. Materials and methods The research and extraction of eligible studies in this review were conducted according to the guidelines outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Results Excessive alcohol consumption profoundly impacts oral health by increasing the risk of dental caries, periodontal disease, and oral cancer through immune suppression, alterations in the oral microbiome, and reduced salivary flow, while also being exacerbated by lifestyle factors such as smoking and poor hygiene. Conclusions Integrated healthcare approaches are necessary for individuals with alcohol dependence, emphasizing routine oral health assessments, patient education, and collaboration between dental professionals and addiction specialists to mitigate the negative effects of alcohol on oral health