Drug Addiction: Self-perception and Clinical Data on Oral Health

Objective: This study aimed to report self-perception of oral and general health condition of drug-addicts in recuperative stage. Material and methods: Data-collection instrument was a semi-structured questionnaire that broached subjects like: socioeconomic status, self-perception of oral health, access to dental care, relationship with the dentist, among others. Results: When asked about frequency of daily brushing, only 30.5% reported three times a day. Furthermore, it was found that 53.8% of respondents had dentin sensitivity; 41.0% had dry mouth and bad breath; 30.8% alleged bruxism and teeth grinding (28.2%). The same 30.8% reported loosening of one or more elements and 33.3% reported pain in at least one tooth. Conclusions: The present study demonstrated that self-perception of oral health condition of inmates was unsatisfying; besides, it was possible to check the harmful effects of drugs in general health and poor oral hygiene habits by ex-drug addicts as well.