Findings
A multidisciplinary group of researchers from the UCLA School of Dentistry, the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health and the UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Programme have published new findings that provide conclusive evidence of disproportionately high rates of dental disease in methamphetamine abusers.
In the largest study of meth abusers to date, professor of oral and maxillofacial surgery at the UCLA School of Dentistry, Dr. Vivek Shetty (study’s first author and principal investigator), and his colleagues systematically investigated the patterns and severity of dental disease in 571 methamphetamine abusers. The team found that over 96 per cent of those studied experienced dental cavities and 58 per cent had untreated tooth decay. Only 23 per cent retained all of their natural teeth, compared to 48 per cent for the general population in the US.
The study also found that women methamphetamine abusers had higher rates of tooth loss and decay, as well as a greater prevalence of cavities in the front teeth.
The researchers also looked at the rate of periodontitis — serious gum infection that can lead to tooth loss — among methamphetamine abusers. They found that it was unusually high, with more than 89 per cent showing total periodontitis. Methamphetamine abusers who were older, African American or who smoked cigarettes were more likely to suffer from severe periodontitis.
The study also found that 40 per cent of the methamphetamine abusers were self-conscious or embarrassed about the condition of their teeth or dentures.
Impact
The study provides valuable research and public health insight into the oral health of methamphetamine abusers and informs general health providers and addiction specialists about the oral health problems in meth abusers. The prevalence and patterns of dental and periodontal disease could alert dentists to undisclosed methamphetamine use in their patients and help in the development of treatment plans.
The high rates of dental disease and the concerns about dental appearance among methamphetamine abusers could be used by dentists as the basis for screening, brief behavioural interventions and referrals for treatment.
Background
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, over 12 million people have tried methamphetamines at least once. The consequences of abusing this drug can include mental disorders, extreme weight loss, skin sores and severe dental problems, known as “meth mouth.” Prior to this study, the evidence for meth mouth was largely anecdotal.
