Is self-reported alcohol consumption associated with osteoporotic mandibular bone loss in women?

The aim of this study was to determine whether alcohol consumption would predict mandibular bone quality and quantity in a large European female population. In total, 672 middle-aged and elderly women (45-70 yr of age; standard deviation = 6) were recruited in the study. Alcohol consumption was recorded through a self-reported questionnaire. Mandibular cortical width was measured, by five observers, in the mental foramen region on panoramic radiographs. Mandibular bone density, expressed as aluminium thickness, was recorded on intra-oral radiographs. Alcohol consumption was associated with a reduction of mandibular bone density and cortical width. This association was higher in subjects with excessive alcohol consumption, defined in the present study as > 14 units consumed per week. This study showed reduced jaw-bone quality in older individuals and in those with increased alcohol consumption.