Alcohol consumption and risk of periodontitis: A meta-analysis

Aim: A meta-analysis was conducted to quantitatively summarize the evidence from observational studies on alcohol consumption and risk of periodontitis. Material and Methods: A 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. Results: Eighteen 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 1 g/day increment in alcohol consumption. Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggested that alcohol consumption was associated with an increased risk of periodontitis.