World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

DRUG ABUSERS DENTAL STATUS AND ORAL HEALTH AT JAMMU, INDIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Dr. Ashanka Bhardwaj, Dr. Mehak Dogra, *Dr. Sukrant Sharma, Dr. Sambit Prasad and Dr. Raashiv Bhardwaj

ABSTRACT

Aim: To ascertain the oral health status and dental health status of drug abusers (DA) and compare them with those of non-drug-abusing dental patients. Material and method: Hospital-based cross-sectional study on 200 consecutive male DA attending the outpatient department of a medical college hospital. Detailed history and clinical findings were recorded in a predetermined format by trained dental surgeons. Data entry and statistical analysis were done using SPSS 10.0.5, Oral mucosal lesions (OMSL), dental lesions (DHSL), ‘decay, missing, filling teeth’ index (DMFT), brushing material (toothpaste/others), mode (toothbrush/others), and frequency per day (once/twice). Results: The occurrence of at least one oral mucosal lesion was 49% in drug abusers and 6% in controls, the difference being statistically significant (P = 0.00). In brushing habits, DL were significantly associated with brushing material (P = 0.005) and frequency (P = 0.001) when a comparison was made between DA and controls. The difference of ?7 in the DMFT score between DA and controls in relation to material used for brushing (P = 0.04) and frequency of brushing (P = 0.001) was statistically significant. For any oral mucosal lesion, odds ratio (OR) was 15.1 (95% CI, 6-37.5); for any potentially malignant states, OR was 54.4 (95% CI, 3.2-911.3); for dental caries, the OR was 3.3 (95% CI, 1.8-5.9); and the OR for extrinsic stains was 8 (95% CI, 2.7-24). Conclusion: A large gap exists with respect to dental and oral health status between DA and the general population. DA is at 54.4 time’s higher risk for having a potentially malignant state. These factors highlight the need for regular oral examination and dental treatment in DA.

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