Chronic alcoholism: an important condition in the dentist-patient relationship

Objectives: This paper aims to give the dental practitioner an insight into the impact of chronic alcoholism on sufferers. Methods: A review of the psychiatric and dental literature covering the aetiology, prevalence and complications is presented. Conclusions: Chronic alcoholism has a number of serious medical and social problems which may affect the provision of dental treatment. It is important for the dental practitioner to be aware of the impact of this condition on patients as he or she may be in an ideal position to spot the alcoholic before a medical consultation has been sought.