Oral health effects, brushing habits and management of methamphetamine users for the general dental practitioner

Background Methamphetamine is a synthetic drug commonly abused in South Africa and is highly addictive. Users have a higher prevalence of dental caries compared to non-users and the classical caries pattern found in methamphetamine users is termed 'meth mouth'. The increased consumption of soft drinks and the absence of saliva are the main risk factors for 'meth mouth'. Aim To determine the oral health status of individuals using methamphetamine. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted on a convenience sample of 308 self-reported methamphetamine users at 22 specialised substance addiction treatment centres in the Western Cape, South Africa. Results There was a significant difference in tooth brushing frequency when using methamphetamine (p = 0.0000022; x(2) = 23.84; OR = 3.25). The mean decayed, missing and filled teeth score was ten and there was an association between the mean number of decayed teeth and the duration of drug addiction ( p = 0.0071; x(2) = 12.07). Users who were using methamphetamine for less than four years had fewer missing teeth compared to those who were using methamphetamine for more than four years. Conclusions When methamphetamine abuse is detected, the dentist can play a key role in early management of drug addiction by referring the patient to specialised substance addiction treatment centres. In addition, by restoring the dental appearance, users may regain their self-esteem and improve their oral health quality of life.