Alcohol intake patterns, stress exposures and oral health in treatment seeking individuals with alcohol use disorder.

BACKGROUND

Alcohol use and stress are linked to negative oral health outcomes, but data are limited in individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD). This study examines alcohol consumption, perceived stress, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and oral health in individuals with AUD.

METHODS

In this retrospective analysis, oral health, alcohol use, perceived stress, and childhood trauma data were abstracted from existing records for treatment-seeking inpatients with AUD who were referred for dental examination (N = 99). Multivariable models adjusted for available demographic and clinical covariates. Data on oral hygiene practices, diet, and access to dental care were not available.

RESULTS

Seventy-three percent of the individuals with AUD had moderate-severe periodontal disease (PD), and 30% reported oral pain. Higher PD severity was associated with increased years of heavy drinking (p < .001). Perceived stress was significantly associated with PD severity (p < .001), while ACE exposures were linked to oral pain (p = .031). After controlling relevant variables, decreased perceived stress and increased ACEs remained significantly associated with increased PD severity, while heavy drinking years did not. In the fully adjusted model, smoking was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of oral pain.

CONCLUSION

In this referred inpatient sample, psychosocial variables showed associations with oral health severity after adjustment for available covariates. This suggests individuals with AUD are at high risk for poor oral health, but factors beyond alcohol consumption may influence this relationship. Nevertheless, the retrospective design, limited sample size, and unavailable oral health behavior data warrant cautious interpretation. Integrating assessment of past and current stress exposures, along with increased referral for dental evaluation, could improve whole person AUD treatment and health outcomes in individuals with AUD.