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EFFECT OF LONG‐TERM ADDICTION TO HEROIN ON ORAL TISSUES *
Author(s) -
Rosenstein David I.
Publication year - 1975
Publication title -
journal of public health dentistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.64
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1752-7325
pISSN - 0022-4006
DOI - 10.1111/j.1752-7325.1975.tb04035.x
Subject(s) - heroin , addiction , citation , library science , atlanta , journal of public health , psychology , medicine , public health , psychiatry , metropolitan area , computer science , drug , health policy , health care reform , nursing , pathology
The oral health status of 36 long-term heroin addicts was measured using DMF, OHIS, and PI. Comparisons were made utilizing data from the National Center for Health Statistics. Age, sex, race, education, income, and geographic location were compared. The former addicts exhibited a significant increase in DMF, with significantly higher missing and decayed teeth, and fewer filled teeth. The periodontal condition of the former addict also showed health status. It would appear that long-term heroin addiction either contributes directly to lowered oral health status, or more likely, causes individuals to lead a life style which has ramifications to their oral health.