Data sources: Medline, LILACS, SciELO and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL).
Study selection: The papers were screened independently by two reviewers: disagreements were resolved by a third reviewer. Randomised-controlled trials (RCTs), controlled clinical trials (CCTs), cohort studies, case-control and cross-sectional studies in English were included. Quality was assessed using STROBE methodology (www.strobe-statement.org).
Data extraction and synthesis: Quality was assessed using STROBE methodology (www.strobe-statement.org). Owing to heterogeneity among studies concerning the methods of assessment of alcohol dependence, alcohol consumption and periodontitis no meta-analysis was performed.
Results: Eleven cross-sectional and five longitudinal observational studies met the inclusion criteria. Seven of the 12 studies on alcohol consumption and all of the four studies on alcohol dependence reported positive associations between alcohol intake and periodontitis. Although smoking was properly addressed in all selected studies, the confounding effect of dental plaque was taken into account in only six studies.
Conclusions: There is evidence to suggest alcohol consumption is a risk indicator for periodontitis. Longitudinal studies on the association of alcohol dependence and alcohol consumption with periodontitis are needed to confirm the association or not.