Alcoholism as a social determinant of oral diseases

Introduction: Alcoholism, as a public health problem, has significant systemic and oral consequences. The oral cavity reflects many of these alterations, such as caries, periodontal diseases, and precancerous lesions. This study addresses the impact of alcohol on oral health in older adults, highlighting the importance of health status analysis as a tool for risk identification. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted at Clinic No. 10 of the Párraga Polyclinic between May and June 2013. An intentional sample of 12 patients with a history of chronic alcohol consumption was selected. Home visits, structured interviews, and clinical oral examinations were conducted. Demographic data, educational level, and dental diagnosis were collected. The data were processed using descriptive statistics. Results: Of the 12 patients, 7 were men and 5 were women, with the 61-70 age group predominating. Fifty-eight point three percent had dental caries, the same percentage had periodontal disease, and 25% had precancerous lesions. An association was found between chronic alcoholism and poor oral health, influenced by factors such as poor hygiene, malnutrition, and xerostomia. Conclusions: The study reaffirms that alcoholism seriously affects oral health, especially in older adults. Preventive and educational actions need to be reinforced in primary care, taking into account the social determinants of health. Health situation analysis is key to prioritizing interventions.