Paul Nassar1, Aviv Ouanounou2. 1. Dental student (4th year), Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. 2. Assistant professor, Department of Clinical Sciences (Pharmacology and Preventive Dentistry), Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Abstract
Background: Epidemiological studies have shown that illicit drug use is a persistent and growing problem in our society. Methamphetamine and cocaine are at the top of the list of stimulants commonly abused. There is a need for a disease-targeted approach to the dental management of clients who use these drugs. Methods: A review of the literature was conducted to identify the most up-to-date information for the diagnosis and treatment of dental clients who abuse methamphetamine and cocaine. Databases in the University of Toronto library system were searched for peer-reviewed articles, written in English, and containing data relevant to clinical decision making. Textbooks were chosen from a list of reference materials provided by the National Dental Examination Board. All cited articles were published within the past 5 years. Results and Discussion: There is robust literature on the treatment of individual signs and symptoms associated with methamphetamine and cocaine use. However, there is a dearth of information on the comprehensive, client-centred oral health care that these individuals require. Conclusion: This article reviews the best practices to guide the clinician from the initial oral diagnosis appointment to the maintenance of care, including the pharmacological actions of these drugs of abuse, the specific challenges faced in providing care for this client population, and scientifically based treatment considerations to maximize prognosis.
Background: Epidemiological studies have shown that illicit drug use is a persistent and growing problem in our society. Methamphetamine and cocaine are at the top of the list of stimulants commonly abused. There is a need for a disease-targeted approach to the dental management of clients who use these drugs. Methods: A review of the literature was conducted to identify the most up-to-date information for the diagnosis and treatment of dental clients who abuse methamphetamine and cocaine. Databases in the University of Toronto library system were searched for peer-reviewed articles, written in English, and containing data relevant to clinical decision making. Textbooks were chosen from a list of reference materials provided by the National Dental Examination Board. All cited articles were published within the past 5 years. Results and Discussion: There is robust literature on the treatment of individual signs and symptoms associated with methamphetamine and cocaine use. However, there is a dearth of information on the comprehensive, client-centred oral health care that these individuals require. Conclusion: This article reviews the best practices to guide the clinician from the initial oral diagnosis appointment to the maintenance of care, including the pharmacological actions of these drugs of abuse, the specific challenges faced in providing care for this client population, and scientifically based treatment considerations to maximize prognosis.
Authors: Eun Young Kim; Do Hoon Kwon; Byung Dae Lee; Yang Tae Kim; Young Bok Ahn; Kuee Young Yoon; Sok Jin Sa; Woong Cho; Sung Nam Cho Journal: Forensic Sci Int Date: 2009-04-26 Impact factor: 2.395