Objective The aim of the present cross‐sectional study was to determine whether alcohol use disorders (AUD) are independently associated with severe and extent cases of periodontitis in individuals living in a rural area of Brazil. Methods A representative probability sample (N = 585) was evaluated using six‐site full‐mouth periodontal examination. AUD was assessed using the alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT) and considered in its unidimensional and bidimensional factor structures. The first address hazardous alcohol consumption [HAC (overall scores ≥8)], and the second deals with two distinct constructs, harmful use [HU (items 1–3 scores ≥4 for men or ≥3 for women)], and alcohol‐related consequences [ARC (items 4–10 scores ≥1)]. Periodontal outcomes were defined based on the criteria proposed by the CDC‐AAP (2012) and an adaptation of the EFP‐AAP (2018) definition of generalized stages III or IV periodontitis (GP). Adjusted multilevel multinomial and binary logistic regression analysis were used with a conceptual hierarchical approach to calculate the odds ratios (OR) of periodontal outcomes. Results In the adjusted model, HU (OR = 2.69; 95% CI: 1.29–5.58) and ARC (OR = 3.79; 95% CI: 1.51–9.51) were significantly associated with higher prevalence of severe periodontitis (SP). Higher occurrence of GP was detected in individuals presenting HAC (OR = 1.88; 95% CI: 1.05–3.37) and ARC (OR = 2.90; 95% CI: 1.61–5.24). Conclusion AUD was independently associated with higher prevalence of SP and GP in individuals living in a rural area.