Authors: Cretzmeyer, Margaret; Walker, Jerry; Hall, James A.; Arndt, Stephan

Source: Journal of Dentistry for Children, Volume 74, Number 2, May-August 2007 , pp. 85-92(8)

Publisher: American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

Abstract:

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using a standard dental examination to detect methamphetamine use.

Methods: Data were collected from 31 patients in a hospital-based inpatient chemical dependency treatment unit using cross-sectional study design. Patients who reported current methamphetamine use were compared with patients who denied methamphetamine use on data from dental examinations and an in-depth substance use assessment.

Results: Evidence of a relationship between methamphetamine use and dental disease was not detected in this sample. Both groups had a high degree of behaviors and risk factors other than substance abuse that contributed to dental disease.

Conclusion: Based on these data, clients who used methamphetamine could not be distinguished from those who used other substances. Both groups presented significant dental disease, however, and it may be that most, if not all, patients in this hospital-based unit had significant chronic health problems including dental disease. Although adolescent use of methamphetamine is primarily restricted to older adolescents, consequences of use are severe and early identification of drug use may forestall some of the more severe consequences.

Keywords: METHAMPHETAMINE; DENTAL DISEASE; METHAMPHETAMINE ABUSE; ADOLESCENT METHAMPHETAMINE USE; CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY TREATMENT

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: School of Social Work, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA. m-cretzmeyer@uiowa.edu

Publication date: 2007-05-01

More about this publication?

• Acquired after the merger between the American Society of Dentistry for Children and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry in 2002, the Journal of Dentistry for Children (JDC) is an internationally renowned journal whose publishing dates back to 1934. Published three times a year, JDC promotes the practice, education and research specifically related to the specialty of pediatric dentistry. It covers a wide range of topics related to the clinical care of children, from clinical techniques of daily importance to the practitioner, to studies on child behavior and growth and development. JDC also provides information on the physical, psychological and emotional conditions of children as they relate to and affect their dental health.
• Editorial Board
• Information for Authors
• Submit a Paper
• Subscribe to this Title
• Membership Information
• Information for Advertisers
• ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Dentistry ,  Pediatrics
• By this author: Cretzmeyer, Margaret ;  Walker, Jerry ;  Hall, James A. ;  Arndt, Stephan

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers