Alcohol and recreational drug use: The effect on oral health

The recent report into lifestyle and environmental factors and the incidence of cancer (Parkin, 2011) was important to the dental profession as it highlighted the importance of alcohol and other lifestyle factors on the rise in cancer, particularly of the oral cavity.

More than 90% of adults in Britain drink beverages containing alcohol and about half (26.3 million) describe themselves as low to moderate drinkers. This amount has few if any adverse effects, and has some health benefits, forming a significant part of a healthy lifestyle, facilitating pleasure and socializing. However, when alcohol is consumed in excess, whether on an acute or chronic basis, there are harmful effects both to the health and wellbeing of the individual and to society as a whole (Foster and Marriott, 2006).