The influence of opiates on oral health
The negative impact of opiates on oral health is the subject of many scientific publications on the prevention of periodontal disease.
Good oral hygiene, a low sugar diet, adequate pH of saliva and regular visits to the dentist enables having healthy teeth and gums. Psychoactive substances can cause damage to teeth, so it is important for an addict to be under constant dental care. Prevention of periodontal and gum defects and diseases is certainly much more beneficial for the patient than treatment, because tooth reconstruction can be very expensive and time consuming. Some opiates reduce the flow of saliva and cause a condition called "dry mouth". Dry mouth significantly increases the risk of caries. This is because the lack of saliva promotes the formation of more bacteria in the mouth and causes an abnormal pH that causes decay.
The lack of hygiene that accompanies health problems contributes to the faster deposition of food residue on the teeth, exposure of the tooth necks or tooth decay. Regular use of drugs can cause significant damage to your teeth. Opiates carry a high risk of oral health, which includes, among others: increased risk of mucositis, the appearance of wounds, aphthae and oral thrushes, as well as permanent discoloration of dental enamel. Opiates absorbed via inhalation may cause oral cancer.
The impact of opiates on oral health - dental problems in people addicted to psychoactive substances
Heroin causes gum ulceration and damage to the facial bones. Opiates mixed with saliva form a solution that contributes to the erosion of dental enamel and exposes teeth to bacteria that cause extensive periodontitis and advanced and difficult-to-treat tooth decay. Brown Sugar causes excessive dry mouth, which further increases the risk of cavities. Heroin can cause excessive abrasion of teeth when brushing them or eating hard foods. Side effects of psychoactive substances use affect the condition and appearance of the teeth. During states of agitation, involuntary gnashing of teeth, clenching of the jaw, and even breaking of teeth occurs. People who use heroin consume a lot of sweet food, which can increase the risk of tooth decay, especially if oral hygiene is seriously neglected.
Many psychoactive substances contribute to the development of decay in a very short time. British dentists state that strongly acidic heroin builds up on tooth enamel and causes gingivitis. Other side effects associated with opioid use include tongue covering, sores in the mouth, as well as cracking of dental enamel. Drug addiction is manifested by poor wound healing in the mouth, painful gingivitis and mucosal inflammation, as well as an increased risk of cancer, including cancer of the tongue, esophagus, throat, larynx and craniofacial cancers. Drug use is associated with neglect of basic oral hygiene, a radical change in the current diet and resignation from dental care. This can significantly increase the risk of dental problems, especially in young people whose skeletal and dental development is still undergoing. Specialist dental treatment for drug addicts includes not only procedures aimed at reducing decay or periodontitis, but also resection of dead teeth and threatening the health of a given patient.