Objectives: Opioid use has significantly increased in Germany in recent years.
This study aimed to evaluate and compare the oral health, dental hygiene,
self-perceived pain, and functional limitations of opioid-addicted patients with
a healthy control group.
Materials and methods: 50 opioid-addicted patients (OAP) attending
substitution treatment at the Centre for Addiction Medicine of the Department
of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at the University of Regensburg were enrolled
and interviewed about their drug use history. A control group was matched for
age and sex. The oral health status of patients in both groups was
documented using a record of decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT),
Periodontal Screening Index (PSI), Silness and Loe Plaque Index (PI), stimulated
salivary flow rate, buffer capacity and pH. Patients also completed a
questionnaire on oral hygiene, functional limitations, dietary habits and other
topics. Statistical analysis was performed using non-parametric tests (α = 0.05).
Results: More men (74%) than women (26%) participated in the study with an age
range of 19–64 years. According to the inclusion criteria, all OAP had a history of
heroin use, followed by cannabinoids (90%) and cocaine (82%). The median
DMFT of the OAP was 21 (IQR = 12–28) and was significantly higher (P < 0.001)
than in the control group (median = 10, IQR = 5–16). In addition, the OAP had
a significantly higher proportion of periodontal treatment needs (P < 0.001).
The PI of the OAP was also significantly worse (P = 0.012). The pH of
stimulated saliva from the OAP (median = 6.8, IQR = 6.4–7.2) was significantly
lower (P = 0.002) compared to the control group (median = 7.2, IQR = 7.0–
7.4). However, there were no significant differences in stimulated salivary flow
rate and buffering capacity (P > 0.086). OAP had significantly poorer oral
hygiene, with a particular lack of interdental care (P ≤ 0.0012), and a
significantly higher consumption of sweets or sweetened drinks appeared to
be a problem (P ≤ 0.027). Functional limitations (P < 0.001) were reported to
be a burden for OAP.
Conclusion: Opioid addiction significantly impacts oral health, necessitating
improved dental care and confidential treatment services to prevent dental
and periodontal diseases and support the social integration of
affected individuals.