Effects of long-term alcohol consumption on the risk of periodontitis disease: Literature review

Background: Periodontitis is a proinflammatory oral disease caused by the interaction of pathogenic bacteria and the host response, resulting in loss of attachment, which will lead to tooth loss. Periodontitis is related to a person's bad habits, one of which is excessive alcohol consumption. Long-term alcohol consumption will increase a person's risk of developing periodontitis. Objective: This study aims to assess the relationship between alcohol consumption and periodontal disease. Discussion: Periodontal disease is associated with impaired neutrophil phagocytosis. Alcohol can impair T-cell function and neutrophil chemotaxis, which can alter the immune response and increase the risk of periodontitis. Alcohol intake can cause toxic effects on the periodontium and reduce the production of monocyte inflammatory cytokines that would benefit bacterial proliferation. Conclusion: Long-term alcohol consumption significantly increases the risk of periodontitis. Further studies are needed to examine the relationship between alcohol consumption and the development of periodontitis over time.