Dental health of Irish alcohol/drug abuse treatment centre residents.

E M O'Sullivan

Index: Community Dent. Health 29(4) , 263-7, (2012)

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Abstract

This study examines the independent and combined impact of 'alcohol only' and 'alcohol plus drug' abuse on the dental health of Irish alcohol/drug abuse treatment centre residents, comparing their dental caries experience.Four Irish treatment centres were visited periodically over a year. Data was collected on residents' alcohol, tobacco and drug habits. Participants underwent comprehensive oral examination.Of 210 participants (148 males and 62 females), 53% reported an 'alcohol plus drug' abuse; 44% had an 'alcohol-only' abuse. 'Drug-only' abusers (n = 7) were excluded. Ages ranged from 18-73 with 59% aged under 40. 'Alcohol-only' abusers were significantly older than "alcohol plus drugs" abusers (p < 0.001). Mean DMFT (14.4, sd 7.3) and MT scores (7.3, sd 6.8) were above the national averages. "Alcohol-only" abusers had higher DMFT scores (p < 0.001), more missing teeth (p < 0.001) and more filled teeth (p < 0.01) than "drugs plus alcohol" abusers. DT scores did not vary significantly between study groups. Multivariate analysis confirmed the significance of gender (males OR = 2.31, p = 0.009) on DT scores and highly significant influence of age (age < 36, OR = 0.08, p < 0.001) on MT status. However, study group was not a significant influence once age was taken into consideration.The study reveals a high level of dental disease among Irish alcohol/drug abusers. While some authors have suggested that 'alcohol-only' abusers may experience less decay than 'alcohol plus drug' abusers, this study found no significant difference in the caries experience of the two groups once age was taken into consideration.