OBJECTIVE: Drug-addicts often suffer from rapidly progressive extensive dental decay. The objectives of this study were to determine the impact of illicit drugs on buccal and dental health and the use of illicit drugs for toothache. METHODS: Two groups of intravenous and non-intravenous drug-addicts were compared with two control groups of age matched non-addicted subjects. During a routine dental examination, medical and addictive history, periodontal and dental health and dental complaints were recorded. RESULTS: This study showed that intravenous heroin was responsible for rapidly progressive dental decay, even in four drug-addicts with satisfactory dental hygiene. Intravenous heroin users (14 women, 38 men, mean age 35) had a mean number of 10 missing and 10 decayed teeth, 6 of them to be extracted, and needed two dentures with 8 teeth each. Their masticatory function (45%) and smile did not permit normal alimentation or social life. Non-intravenous drug users (9 women, 29 men, mean age 26) had a mean number of one missing tooth and 4 decayed teeth to be treated. When compared to control groups, drug users of both categories exhibited more decayed teeth, reduced masticatory function and a lower periodontal health correlated with inadequate dental hygiene. Finally, 52% of heroin users and 21% of other illicit drug users admitted the use of illicit drugs as analgesics for toothache. CONCLUSION: The management of toothache should be proposed in the cessation protocols and dentures provided to intravenous drug-addicts, before any attempt at social reinsertion.
OBJECTIVE: Drug-addicts often suffer from rapidly progressive extensive dental decay. The objectives of this study were to determine the impact of illicit drugs on buccal and dental health and the use of illicit drugs for toothache. METHODS: Two groups of intravenous and non-intravenous drug-addicts were compared with two control groups of age matched non-addicted subjects. During a routine dental examination, medical and addictive history, periodontal and dental health and dental complaints were recorded. RESULTS: This study showed that intravenous heroin was responsible for rapidly progressive dental decay, even in four drug-addicts with satisfactory dental hygiene. Intravenous heroin users (14 women, 38 men, mean age 35) had a mean number of 10 missing and 10 decayed teeth, 6 of them to be extracted, and needed two dentures with 8 teeth each. Their masticatory function (45%) and smile did not permit normal alimentation or social life. Non-intravenous drug users (9 women, 29 men, mean age 26) had a mean number of one missing tooth and 4 decayed teeth to be treated. When compared to control groups, drug users of both categories exhibited more decayed teeth, reduced masticatory function and a lower periodontal health correlated with inadequate dental hygiene. Finally, 52% of heroin users and 21% of other illicit drug users admitted the use of illicit drugs as analgesics for toothache. CONCLUSION: The management of toothache should be proposed in the cessation protocols and dentures provided to intravenous drug-addicts, before any attempt at social reinsertion.
Authors: Debra A Murphy; Lauren Harrell; Rachel Fintzy; Thomas R Belin; Alexis Gutierrez; Steven J Vitero; Vivek Shetty Journal: J Behav Health Serv Res Date: 2016-10 Impact factor: 1.505
Authors: Hajar Shekarchizadeh; Mohammad R Khami; Simin Z Mohebbi; Hamed Ekhtiari; Jorma I Virtanen Journal: Iran J Public Health Date: 2013-09 Impact factor: 1.429
Authors: Hajar Shekarchizadeh; Mohammad R Khami; Simin Z Mohebbi; Hamed Ekhtiari; Jorma I Virtanen Journal: BMC Oral Health Date: 2019-01-07 Impact factor: 2.757