Illicit drug use and oral health

Abstract

People with drug use disorders (PWDUD) have elevated prevalence of oral diseases, in particular dental caries (tooth decay), periodontal (gum) disease and xerostomia (dry mouth). When left untreated, these oral health conditions may progress and lead to tooth ache, abscesses and tooth loss, and in turn to poor chewing functioning and digestion, dental aesthetic problems, and reduced wellbeing. Illicit drug use may per se cause xerostomia, which in turn increases vulnerability for dental caries; however, the other main drivers of oral diseases and their progression --poor oral hygiene, frequent sugar intake, and infrequent dental visits --can mainly be ascribed to the irregular lifestyle, poor economy and mental health problems that often accompany illicit drug use. Establishment of good oral health habits is essential in the dental care for PWDUD. Dental treatment is often comprehensive and challenging, as the patients may have extensive treatment needs but also difficulties adhering to preventive measures and dental appointments. An integrated care approach for PWDUD would likely benefit both their oral and general health.

Risk factors and oral health‐related quality of life: A case–control comparison between patients after a first‐episode psychosis and people from general population

“…Risk factors were assessed based upon the prior month as recall period for risk factors in lifestyle in general, smoking, alcohol, illicit drugs, antipsychotic medication and consumption of sugary food/drinks (Kisely et al, 2011 , 2015 ; Kuipers et al, 2018 ; McCreadie et al, 2004b ; Rossow, 2020 ). Risk factors were scored dichotomously (present or absent).…”

“…smoking, using alcohol or illicit drugs), side effects (e.g. xerostomia) or (antipsychotic) medication, and consumption of sugary food/drinks (Kisely et al, 2015 ; Kuipers et al, 2018 ; McCreadie et al, 2004a ; Rossow, 2020 ).…”

“…Due to poor oral health habits and risk factors related to lifestyle, the influence on patients’ oral health increases the needs for regular check‐ups (e.g. dentist or dental hygienist) (Giannobile et al, 2013 ; Mitchell et al, 2013 ; Rossow, 2020 ). Young adults are advised to pay preventive visits to the dentist and dental hygienist at least once a year (Giannobile et al, 2013 ).…”

Non-financial barriers in oral health care: a qualitative study of patients receiving opioid maintenance treatment and professionals’ experiences

“…A study amongst homeless injecting substance users in USA found that although 63 % reported a need for oral health care in the past six months, only 27 % of them had sought care [19]. Studies show that lack of financial resources is an important factor for low prioritisation of oral health among patient with SUD [20]. However, in most counties in Norway, oral health care service are free of charge for patients in OMT and people with SUD.…”

“…The current study aim to examine OMT patients' and DHWs' perceptions of barriers related to the use of oral health care services among OMT patients. Considering that cost is often perceived one of the main barriers to (the) use of oral health care services [20], this article explores the reasons for low use of oral health care services in a context where this barrier has been removed; i.e. in Norway.…”