Dental disease patterns in methamphetamine users

Abstract

Background The authors used a large community sample of methamphetamine users to verify the patterns and severity of dental disease and establish a hierarchy of caries susceptibility by tooth type and tooth surface. Methods Using a stratified sampling approach, 571 MA users received comprehensive oral examinations and psychosocial assessments. Three calibrated dentists characterized the dental and periodontal disease using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) protocols. Data were also collected on substance-use history and other attributes linked to dental disease Results On all dental outcome measures, MA users evidenced very high dental and periodontal disease, with older (> 30 years) and moderate/heavy MA users disproportionately affected. Women had higher rates of tooth loss and caries as well as a greater prevalence of anterior caries. Current smokers were more likely to manifest 5 or more anterior surfaces with untreated caries and 3 or more teeth involved with root caries. Nearly 7% were edentulous and a significant percentage (40%) indicated embarrassment with their dental appearance. Conclusions MA users have very high rates of dental and periodontal disease, and manifest a dose-response relationship with greater levels of MA use associated with higher rates of dental disease. Women and current cigarette smokers are disproportionally impacted. The intraoral patterns and hierarchy of caries susceptibility in MA users are distinctive. Practical Implications The prevalence and patterns of dental and periodontal disease could be used to alert dentists to possible covert MA use as well as to plan treatment. Concerns about dental appearance have potential as triggers for behavioral interventions.

Dental caries and periodontal disease among people who use drugs: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…According to a systematic review of MA use and health outcomes among adolescents, there is insufficient evidence of an association between dental outcomes and MA use [33]. Nonetheless, another study showed higher rates of dental disease among adult people who use MA [34]. In fact, dental disease as one of the most important comorbidities in PWUD is a reasons to develop treatment plans that address both oral health problems and drug use [34].…”

The Extent and Scope of Prosthodontic Practice in Iowa

“…Although Slade et al stated that edentulism will be limited geographically, the economy, the lack of benefits associated with many jobs, the use of methamphetamine and the soft drink, Mountain Dew, have resulted in many younger people in Iowa getting teeth extracted. These persons will continue to be edentulous as they age.…”

Factors Influencing the Use of Methamphetamine by Dental Patients in the United States

“…In a large urban sample of 571 methamphetamine users, Shetty et al found that 40 percent of participants felt embarrassed about their dental appearance. 45 Promoting dental health and addressing aesthetic concerns can be a powerful tool to increase mood, confidence, and attitudes towards change. Collaboratively create a treatment plan that focuses on attainable goals centered on harm reduction.…”

“…"Whereas 37% of adults aged 35 to 49 years in the US general population have total periodontitis, more than 89% of the MA users showed total periodontitis". 45 Xerostomia and dehydration associated with meth use (mediated by alpha-2 receptors in the brain) causes users to crave FACTORS INFLUENCING THE USE OF METHAMPHETAMINE BY DENTAL PATIENTS IN THE UNITED STATES [290][291][292][293][294][295][296][297] sugar, and these individuals crave and typically drink "large quantities of soft drinks". 43 Additionally, oral hygiene may suffer significantly during periods of heavy drug use.…”