Investigating the relation of drug abusing and oral health in addicts

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of drug abusing and oral health in addicts referred to methadone treatment centers in Khomeini Shahr city, Isfahan, Iran, in 2014. Methods: 120 drug-addicted individuals at the age of 20 to 55 years and 120 non-addicted controls were selected randomly. A 3-part standard questionnaire and a clinical questionnaire were completed for drug users. The DMFT (Decayed, missing and filled teeth) index was calculated for both groups and the results were compared. Ethical approval was obtained from Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Iran. The verbal consent was obtained from participants prior to the study. Findings: The mean obtained DMFT was 15.8 and 12.0 in addicts and non-addicts groups, respectively. In addition, 72 of non-addicts had healthy gums while in 97 of addicts, bleeding gums was seen. There was a significant relationship between the type of substance used and the missing teeth (MT) and DMFT indices. It was found that the prevalence of periodontal diseases was significantly higher in drug abusers than non-drug abusers. Conclusion: The results of the study indicate the higher levels of oral diseases among drug abusers than in the normal subjects. Therefore, it is appropriate for public health policy makers to adopt proper programs to prevent people become addicted in different ways, such as raising awareness of the risks of drug abusing on public health and oral health. © 2015, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.