Factor associated with dental caries in alcohol dependences, Thailand

Background: Alcohol dependences have higher risk to dental caries from having poor oral hygiene practice and exposure to acidic drink. Objectives: To determine prevalence and associating factors associated to dental caries in alcohol dependences that are useful for designing targeted dental caries prevention and promotion program for this specific population. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 450 alcohol dependent patients admitted at male in-patient ward from November 2015 to September 2016 at Suanprung Psychiatric Hospital, Chiang Mai Province. Data in terms of number of decayed teeth, missing teeth due to decayed and filled teeth (DMFT), socio-demographic information and potential associating factors to dental caries experience were collected using structured interviews, questionnaires and oral examination. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression were performed. Results: Age of participants ranged from 18-69 years old. Mean DMFT was 7.86+6.37. Participants who were diagnosed as alcohol dependence and single had higher number of decayed teeth compared to others. Age, satisfaction to own oral health and self-perceived oral health were associating factors to DMFT. Conclusion: Dental caries was a high prevalent problem among alcohol dependences. Dental caries prevention and promotion program targeting high prevalence sub-group of population with special focus on increasing self-satisfaction and self-perceived of own oral health should be considered.