Dental Health Status in Drug Addicts in the Czech Republic

Overview

The aim of this study was to describe the oral health status and behavior of drug addicts in the Czech Republic. The pilot study was conducted in a group of 17 – 40-year-old drug addicts (n = 30) and results were compared with data of age-matched sample of the general adult population in the Czech Republic. Oral health status in drug addicts was significantly worse in most findings than in general population. Mean DMFT of the addicted group amounted to 16,2, in general population to 12,4. The periodontal status could not be assessed in 4,5 % of drug addicts because of missing teeth, others showed in 18,2 % gum bleeding, in 45,5 % calculus present, in 27,3 % periodontal pockets and only in 18,2 % healthy gingiva. Oral hygiene status was very poor. 77,3 % of the respondents consume sugar at least once a day, only 45,5 % had been examinated by dentist in last 12 months and 27,2 % of them brushed their teeth only occasionally. The integration of dental care to the programme of re-socialisation is advocated.

Key words:
drug addiction – oral health – caries experience – treatment need