Oral and dental health of Italian drug addicted in methadone treatment

Objectives: Our group recorded the characteristic of oro-dental health among a group of drug addicts in recovery treatment with methadone, and it evaluated the changes related to the withdrawal therapy. Methodology: A sample of 50 drug addicts in treatment with methadone was included in this study. At the beginning of the withdrawal therapy, the authors recorded the parameters involved in the most common oral diseases. Moreover, it was evaluated how, during the rehabilitation protocol, the behavioral parameters and the xerostomia that influence the oral health changed. A medical history especially referring to drug addiction features was made. An intraoral objective exam was done for each patient, at the beginning of the therapy and after 3 and 6 months. Results: 82% of the subjects showed a DMFT > 0. No patient showed any presences of previous restorative therapies. Lowenthal's caries, mostly localized in the cervical upper maxillary incisor, were found in 12% of the subjects. The Löe and Silness index showed marginal gingivitis in 95% of subjects, whereas 44% showed improper occlusion and/or parafunctional habits. 52% of the subjects had a normal diet, but a qualitative evaluation showed a high percentage (48%) of immoderate refined sugars use. Xerostomia, that was present in 72% of patients during the drug dependence period, showed a marked reduction in the withdrawal period. Conclusion: The group analyzed made a combined use with other drugs. They showed a high rate of caries and marginal periodontitis. The statistical analysis of the data proves how the methadone rehabilitation program is effective even on the oral health. It will show its effects over two different time related phases: after a first phase of decreased attention to oral health (0-3 months), all index will increase in the long term (3-6 months). The rehabilitation program contributes to an improved oral health of drug addicts.