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

O'Sullivan, EM (2012) Dental health of Irish alcohol/drug abuse treatment centre residents. Community Dental Health, 29, (4), pp. 263-7. doi: 10.1922/CDH_2888OSullivan05.

Objectives: 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.

Methods: 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.

Results: 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 (pO.OOl). 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 (pO.OOl) 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, pO.OOl) on MT status. However, study group was not a significant influence once age was taken into consideration.

Conclusions: 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.


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