Substance Abuse and Dental Practice Management

A series of flashcards summarizing key concepts related to substance abuse and its implications on dental practice and health.

What is substance abuse?

Harmful use of legal or illegal substances, including alcohol, opioids, cannabis, stimulants, and hallucinogens, associated with various health problems.

What are the classifications of substances?

Stimulants (Cocaine, Methamphetamine), Depressants (Alcohol, Opioids), Hallucinogens (LSD, Ecstasy), Cannabinoids (Cannabis), Polydrug use (e.g. Nyaope).

What are some reasons people abuse substances?

Social & family dysfunction, psychological trauma, stress, anxiety, peer pressure, and escapism from socio-economic hardships.

What are general oral effects of substance abuse?

Rampant caries, periodontitis and gingivitis, xerostomia (dry mouth), bruxism, tooth wear, poor oral hygiene and nutrition.

What are the effects of cocaine on oral health?

Palatal perforation, gingival necrosis, bruxism, jaw pain, angular cheilitis, and 'saddle nose' deformity.

What is 'meth mouth' associated with?

Blackened, crumbling teeth, severe caries on anterior teeth, bruxism, TMJ pain, soft tissue trauma, and sugar cravings.

What are the oral effects of cannabis (marijuana)?

Uvulitis, leukoplakia, gingival hyperplasia, increased caries risk, stomatitis, and poor hygiene.

What are the oral effects of opioids and alcohol?

Alcohol can cause atrophic mucosa, glossitis, and parotid swelling, while opioids are linked to poor hygiene, increased DMFT, malnutrition, and immunosuppression.

How does substance abuse affect dental treatment?

Leads to missed appointments, poor cooperation, high anxiety or fear, potential pain triggering relapse, and drug interactions with anaesthetics and analgesics.

What are red flags for dental assistants when dealing with substance abuse?

Vague complaints, inconsistent medical histories, requests for specific medications, clenched jaws, tremors, and repeated infections.

What precautions should dental assistants take with substance abuse patients?

Confidential history-taking, avoid adrenaline in stimulant users, know emergency protocols, accurate documentation, and do not treat intoxicated patients.

What supportive roles can dental assistants play for substance abuse patients?

Educate on oral hygiene and diet, be empathetic, assist with follow-ups, encourage referrals, and support recovery.

What is the multidisciplinary approach in managing substance abuse in dental practice?

Collaborate with physicians and psychologists, prioritize emergency care, screen for oral cancer, and respect patient confidentiality.

What are the key takeaways regarding substance abuse and dental health?

Substance abuse affects oral/systemic health; screening all patients is essential, dental assistants play a key role, and multidisciplinary care is optimal.