Substance use disorder in adolescence: a review for the pediatric dentist

Substance use during puberty has become a serious public health issue with significant morbidity and mortality in many countries. Approximately half of American youth have tried an illicit substance by the time they graduate from high school. Drug addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use. Substance use disorders are maladaptive patterns of use accompanied by clinically significant impairment or distress, causing reduced functioning in major areas of life, risk-taking behavior, exposure to hazardous situations, and an increase in the likelihood of legal problems due to possession. In 2008, there was an annual prevalence of drug use of approximately 7% for eighth graders, 11% for 10th graders, and 18% for 12th graders. The pediatric dentist is in a good position to help prevent and detect suspicious cases of substance use because of the age of patients seen in the pediatric dental practice as well as the many behavioral and oral aspects present in adolescents who use illicit substances.