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Tooth surface loss: does recreational drug use contribute?
Peter J Nixon1, Callum C Youngson, Angela Beese
1Division of Restorative Dentistry, Leeds Dental Institute, United Kingdom. pete-claire@pnixon24.freeserve.co.uk
Clinical Oral Investigations
|August 9, 2002
Summary
Regular users of amphetamine-like drugs showed significantly greater tooth wear, particularly on lower molars, compared to non-drug users. This pilot study suggests a link between these substances and dental attrition.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
Background:
- Tooth wear is a multifactorial condition.
- Amphetamine-like drugs, including Ecstasy and amphetamines, are known stimulants with potential systemic effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify and compare tooth wear in individuals using amphetamine-like drugs versus a matched control group.
- To investigate the association between regular amphetamine-like drug use and dental wear patterns.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involving 13 undergraduate students who regularly use amphetamine-like drugs and 13 matched non-drug users.
- Groups were matched for age, sex, and common causes of tooth wear via questionnaire.
- Tooth wear was assessed using a standardized tooth wear index.
Main Results:
- Significantly greater occlusal tooth wear was observed in the lower first molars of the drug user group compared to the control group (P<0.05).
- No other statistically significant differences in tooth wear were found between the groups.
Conclusions:
- Regular use of amphetamine-like drugs may be associated with increased posterior tooth wear.
- Further research is warranted to confirm this association and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.