由 home-healthhaven 
Your oral health is influenced by various external factors, and since your mouth serves as a gateway to your body, any internal issues can often show up as oral problems.
There’s some evidence, though not definitive, that people with gum disease might be at higher risk for heart disease. Research also indicates that those with diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease.
New research highlights that individuals with alcohol abuse issues are at a higher risk for gum disease, tooth decay, and precancerous oral lesions. This was revealed in a study by the American Association for Dental Research (AADR).
### Study Findings
Researchers from AADR gathered 34 participants (24 men and 10 women) from an alcohol rehabilitation center. They were asked about their oral hygiene habits and lifestyle. The participants then underwent oral health exams to assess the condition of their teeth and gums.
During the exams, researchers looked at dental plaque levels, gum inflammation due to periodontal disease, the number of decayed, missing, or filled teeth, enamel loss, and any oral lesions on the palate, cheeks, and tongue.
The results were quite alarming. About 85% of participants had “fair” or “poor” oral health. Specifically, 82% had moderate-to-severe gum inflammation, and over two-thirds had significant plaque buildup on their teeth and gums.
Given the high plaque levels, it wasn’t surprising that the participants’ teeth were also in poor condition. About 15% were missing teeth, and of the remaining teeth, 41% showed severe enamel decay. Nearly 79% of participants had at least one cavity, with an average of 3.2 cavities per person.
Even more concerning was that over one-third of the participants had precancerous oral lesions, a rate much higher than the general population.
### Possible Explanation
Researchers suggest that the high rate of oral health issues in people with alcohol abuse problems might be due to neglect of personal hygiene. Alcohol contains high levels of sugar, which feeds plaque to produce acids that erode tooth enamel, leading to decay, cavities, and gum disease. Without proper oral hygiene, plaque can build up and cause significant damage.
More plaque means more acid production, leading to more severe dental issues.
The study concluded that interventions are crucial for individuals with substance abuse problems to help protect their oral health. Given the connection between oral health and other serious conditions like cardiovascular disease and stroke, addressing these issues needs to be a public health priority.