Prevalence of oral conditions among methamphetamine users: NHANES 2009–2014

Abstract

Objectives: Methamphetamine (MA) is a widely used illicit drug and a nationwide public health concern. Although dental complications are consistently reported among MA users, yet limited nationally representative studies on the associations between MA use and oral health currently exist. Methods: Using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009-2014, we analyzed 8,762 respondents aged 30-64 years who had completed a periodontal examination. MA use was self-reported; periodontitis, untreated caries, and missing teeth were assessed by calibrated dentists. Descriptive statistics as well as multivariable regression analyses were performed. Data were weighted to yield representative estimates of the US adult population. Results: Overall 7.8 percent of US adults aged ≥30 years had ever used MA. Ever-use prevalence was higher among males, whites, and individuals below the federal poverty level. Established MA users had a higher prevalence of untreated dental caries (36.6 percent), any periodontitis (54.8 percent), and severe periodontitis (12.2 percent) than those who had never used MA. The prevalence of any periodontitis was higher among current MA users (PR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.05-1.62) than those who never used MA. Prevalence of untreated dental caries was higher among current MA users (PR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.10-2.13) and established users (PR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.02-1.48) than never users. Taking MA orally and/or through injection was associated with higher odds of severe periodontitis than orally only (AOR: 3.72; CI: 1.79-7.75). Conclusions: MA users had a higher prevalence of periodontitis and dental caries. Continued research assessing the relationship between MA use and oral health can inform clinical interventions and management of dental diseases in MA users.

Illicit drug use and oral health

“…Increased risk of other oral health problems is also reported. Baghaie and colleagues [20] identified 28 primary studies examining oral health problems in illicit drug users and controls, and 10 additional primary studies [21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29] were identified from more recent reviews [2,[30][31][32] and further literature searches. These 38 studies were conducted in 16 different countries.…”

Oral Microbiota Profile of Individuals Who Abuse Methamphetamine

“…This is associated not only with oral diseases such as dental caries and periodontal disease, but also with metabolic (e.g., cardiovascular disease and dyslipidemia) and neurologic (ego, Alzheimer disease) disorders (Kuboniwa et al, 2012;Minty et al, 2019;Sureda et al, 2020). Among individuals who abuse MA, there is a higher prevalence of untreated dental caries, periodontitis, and severe periodontitis as compared to healthy subjects (Hegazi et al, 2021), which is associated with an altered microbiome profile. Chronic MA use and poor oral hygiene can compromise physiologic barriers, resulting in infections (Graves et al, 2019).…”

Microstructural Organization of Periodontium Under Conditions of Complex Correction Against the Background of Experimental Ten-Week Opioid Exposure

“…Слід відмітити, що зловживання наркотичних речовин провокує розвиток специфічних змін тканин і органів ротової порожнини із прогресуванням агресивних форм захворювань пародонту [10,11]. З метою підвищення ефективності лікування наркозалежних осіб, ряд авторів рекомендують застосовувати етіотропну та патогенетичну терапію [5,12,13].…”

“…З метою підвищення ефективності лікування наркозалежних осіб, ряд авторів рекомендують застосовувати етіотропну та патогенетичну терапію [5,12,13]. З метою зменшення рівня мікробної колонізації у ротовій порожнині при розвитку та прогресуванні запальних захворювань пародонту, доцільним вважають застосовувати антибактеріальну терапію [11]. При розвитку запального процесу комплексна терапія повинна також містити патогенетичні лікарські засоби, зокрема, препарат пентоксифілін, якому властиво широкий спектр дії [14].…”