Features

Alcohol misuse and oral health

13 mins read Oral health and mouth cancer
Alcohol misuse affects both individuals and society and is estimated to cost the NHS £3.5 billion every year. Awareness of the effects of alcohol not only on the oral cavity but also on the whole body enables the dental professional to discuss with patients the associated risks

The UK is among the heaviest alcohol-consuming countries in Europe. It is estimated that around 90% of the adult population in England drink alcohol. While the majority of people do so in moderation, increasing numbers are imbibing in a way that may damage their health and wellbeing (Alcohol Concern, 2010). In 2011, 1.5% of all deaths registered in England and Wales were from alcohol-related causes (Office of National Statistics (ONS), 2013). Alcohol Concern state ‘Over 10 million adults in England now drink more than the recommended daily limit, with 2.6 million of them drinking more than twice that.’ They go on to say ‘The problem is not limited purely to healthcare. The damage that drinking causes echoes throughout society, contributing to 1.2 million incidents of violent crime a year, 40% of domestic violence cases and 6% of all road casualties' (Alcohol Concern, 2011).

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Dental Nursing and reading some of our resources. To read more, please register today. You’ll enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Up to 2 free articles per month

  • New content available

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here