[The buccal-dental health of drug addicts treated in the University hospital centre in Nice].

OBJECTIVE

Drug-addicts often suffer from rapidly progressive extensive dental decay. The objectives of this study were to determine the impact of illicit drugs on buccal and dental health and the use of illicit drugs for toothache.

METHODS

Two groups of intravenous and non-intravenous drug-addicts were compared with two control groups of age matched non-addicted subjects. During a routine dental examination, medical and addictive history, periodontal and dental health and dental complaints were recorded.

RESULTS

This study showed that intravenous heroin was responsible for rapidly progressive dental decay, even in four drug-addicts with satisfactory dental hygiene. Intravenous heroin users (14 women, 38 men, mean age 35) had a mean number of 10 missing and 10 decayed teeth, 6 of them to be extracted, and needed two dentures with 8 teeth each. Their masticatory function (45%) and smile did not permit normal alimentation or social life. Non-intravenous drug users (9 women, 29 men, mean age 26) had a mean number of one missing tooth and 4 decayed teeth to be treated. When compared to control groups, drug users of both categories exhibited more decayed teeth, reduced masticatory function and a lower periodontal health correlated with inadequate dental hygiene. Finally, 52% of heroin users and 21% of other illicit drug users admitted the use of illicit drugs as analgesics for toothache.

CONCLUSION

The management of toothache should be proposed in the cessation protocols and dentures provided to intravenous drug-addicts, before any attempt at social reinsertion.