Are periodontitis, dental caries and xerostomia more frequently present in recreational ecstasy users?

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this retrospective study was to determine whether there is a difference in oral health between recreational ecstasy users and non-recreational drug users. Study design In a cross-sectional study, dental records of 149 individuals visiting an academic dental clinic in Amsterdam who reported recreational ecstasy use, defined as no more than twice a week, were systematically analysed and compared to a group of age- and sex-matched non-drug users randomly selected from this institute. The parameters retrieved from the dental records were decayed, missed and filled teeth index (DMFT), number of endodontically treated teeth, presence of active caries lesions, periodontitis, tooth wear, xerostomia and self-reported use of oral hygiene devices. Results Periodontitis, active caries lesions and xerostomia were statistically significantly more present in ecstasy users. Ecstasy users brush their teeth significant less frequently per day than non-recreational drug users. There were no significant differences in DMFT and in the devices used for brushing/interdental cleaning and frequency of use of these interdental devices between both groups. Conclusion Periodontitis, active caries lesions and xerostomia are more frequently present in recreational ecstasy users compared to age- and sex-matched non-users.