Alcohol consumption and risk of periodontitis: a meta-analysis

AimA meta-analysis was conducted to quantitatively summarize the evidence from observational studies on alcohol consumption and risk of periodontitis. Material and MethodsA comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science and Embase databases to identify eligible studies published in English. Pooled relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by random-effects models. Restricted cubic splines were used to assess the dose-response relationship. ResultsEighteen studies were included in our meta-analysis. The pooled RR of periodontitis for the highest with the lowest alcohol consumption was 1.59 (95% CI: 1.37-1.85). Significant associations were also found in stratified analysis by gender [males: (1.25, 95% CI: 1.11-1.41), females (2.15, 95% CI: 1.36-3.41)] and study design [cohort studies: 1.28 (1.04-1.57) and cross-sectional studies: 1.66 (1.39-1.99)]. A linear dose-response relationship was found between alcohol consumption and periodontitis risk, and the risk of periodontitis increased by 0.4% [95% CI (1.002-1.007) (p=0.002)] for each 1g/day increment in alcohol consumption. ConclusionThis meta-analysis suggested that alcohol consumption was associated with an increased risk of periodontitis.