Medical considerations for dental care of patients with alcohol-related liver disease

Abstract

More than 7 percent of all adults in the United States have met diagnostic criteria for alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence. Many of these people and even occasional users of alcohol may exhibit medical complexities, particularly liver disease, that can adversely affect provision of routine dental care. This article highlights some of the important clinical topics associated with alcoholic liver disease as it relates to dental care and provides guidelines on treatment of affected people.