Dental Hygiene Practices and Oral/Dental Health among Alcoholic Inpatients: Pilot Study

INTRODUCTION: There are strong indications that individuals who abuse alcohol exhibit increased risk for impaired oral/dental health (ODH). Patients being treated for alcohol dependence represent an important target group for efforts to improve ODH. We conducted a one-month pilot-study to assess ODH and related behavior of inpatients in alcoholism treatment and their acceptance of examination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-four inpatients, 24 male and 10 female, with diverse ethnicity, were recruited in a rehabilitation center for alcohol abuse in Buffalo, NY. Before undergoing oral examination, subjects completed a survey on dental hygiene, associated behaviors, and demographic characteristics. Information regarding patients ODH was collected using Plaque, Gingival, and DMF indexes, as well as examining soft tissue, and signs of loss of dental structure (abrasion, erosion, and attrition). Prevalence and descriptive data were determined by statistical analysis. RESULTS: Population alcohol intake was, on average, 45.7 drinks/week, and 61.8% smoked within the past month. Prevalence of oral diseases was 13.5% for dental caries; 15.1% for missing teeth; 35.3% for soft tissue abnormalities (STA); and 41.2% of present teeth showed signs of erosion. Data showed prevalence of 82.3% for moderate/severe gingival inflammation. Although study participants claimed to brush at least once a day, 70.6% of subjects presented heavy dental plaque accumulation. Participants reported poor oral hygiene and preventive measures (85.3% described their mouth/teeth condition as fair or poor). CONCLUSION: Our study indicates that alcoholic patients in treatment report low levels of dental hygiene practices. Oral examination showed significant levels of dental caries, gingival inflammation, STA, and teeth erosion. The high prevalence of oral diseases and lack of oral hygiene, among alcoholic inpatients, indicates that they are an important high-risk group, for whom interventions to improve preventive dental hygiene practices are warranted. (Supported by Grants from Pfizer Inc. and Research Institute of Addictions).