The effect of alcohol consumption on periodontitis in older Danes.

Aim: To examine the association between alcohol consumption measured at different points in time and periodontitis at20 years follow-up, also to investigate whether long-term alcohol consumption is related to periodontitis in old age. Material and Methods: Participants aged 65 years or older in2003, from the Copenhagen City Heart Study (CCHS), were invited to participate in the Copenhagen Oral Health Senior Study. The study consisted of 168 participants. Periodontitis was defined as having≥3 teeth with clinical attachment loss at≥4 mm. Alcohol consumption was measured at CCHS follow-ups in 1981–1983, 1991–1994 and 2001–2003, using a standard questionnaire. Alcohol consumption was defined as light, moderate and heavy drinking and used individually for each follow-up. The three follow-ups were also summarized into term alcohol consumption. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the relation between alcohol consumption measured at different points in time and periodontitis, and to assess the effect of long-term alcohol consumption on periodontitis in old age. Results: Heavy drinkers in 1981–1983 had a higher odds ratio for having periodontitis compared to light drinkers (OR=4.64,95% CI=1.11–19.42). Also an overall association between long-term heavy drinkers and periodontitis was found(OR=2.24, 95% CI 0.58–8.58), though the estimate for heavy drinkers was not significant. Conclusion: Early consumption of alcohol may increase the odds of having periodontitis 20 years later. There is a need forfurther studies including larger populations to investigate both alcohol consumption measured at different points in time, and