MDNews - Minnesota

Q : As a primary care physician assisting patients in their recovery, what should I know about the effects of drugs and alcohol on their oral cavity? A: There are gender differences regarding drug and alcohol abuse. While men are more likely than women to have the opportunity to use drugs, there is an equal probability among women and men of progressing from first time use to addiction. The addictive properties of tobacco, cocaine, heroin, inhalants and hallucinogens affect men and women equally, but the propensity to abuse certain substances varies between the genders — women are more likely to abuse sedatives, anti-anxiety medications and sleep aids, while men have a greater tendency to abuse alcohol and marijuana. Substa nce abuse a nd the t y pe of substa nce being abused significantly affects oral health. Generally, drug and alcohol abuse tend to occur later in the evening — around bedtime — which leads to cravings for refined carbohydrates found in snack foods and sugary beverages. Methamphetamines cause xerostomia, wherein bacteria in the mouth shift towards a more acidogenic type that erodes the layer of protective enamel on teeth. This can increase the incidence of decay, periodontal disease, fractured teeth and, ultimately, tooth loss. Comprehensive substance abuse recovery plans should include regularly scheduled dental appointments. In the case of severe decay and tooth fracture or loss, the patient should be referred to a prosthodontist who can initiate reconstructive treatment to restore function and esthetics. Visit City West Prosthodontics online at citywestpros.com. ■ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++ + +++ + ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ PROSTHODONTIC INSIGHTS ❯ in Treatment of the Patient Recovering from Drug or Alcohol Addiction By Donna Hecker, DDS, MS The Role of the Prosthodontist 1 8 | Minnesota MD NEWS ■ M D N E W S . CO M

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