Oral health assessment for users of marijuana and cocaine/crack substances

Abstract: The objective of this study was to assess the oral health status of users of illicit drugs such as marijuana and cocaine/crack and compare it with individuals not using these chemical substances. Questionnaires were applied to 35 illicit drugs users to gather information on demographic status, general health, and use of drugs. Then, a clinical assessment of the oral health condition was performed to collect data on decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index, salivary flow rate (SFR), and mucosal lesions. The control group was composed of 35 non-illicit drug users. In the experimental group, 91.43% were males, 80% were smokers, and 42.85% were alcoholics. Cocaine was the most common drug used (77.15%), followed by marijuana (68.6%), and crack (51.4%). The average DMFT index was 9.8 and the SFR was reduced in 60% of subjects. Mucosal alterations were detected, but no potentially malignant disorders or oral cancer were diagnosed. Compared to control group, significantly higher values for gender (40%, p = 0.0001), smoking (22.86%) and heavy drinking (5.7%) habits (p = 0.0001), SFR (31.4%; p = 0.0308), and oral lesions (p = 0.0488) were found for the experimental group, although significantly higher values were found in the control group for DMFT index (p = 0.0148). It can be concluded that the use of illicit drugs contributed to an increased prevalence of oral mucosa lesions. In addition, a decline on SFR and a reduced DMFT index was observed for illicit drug users.

Caries experience and salivary aspects in individuals with fragile X syndrome

Abstract Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common cause of hereditary mental retardation, but studies on the oral health condition of these patients are rare. The aim of this study was to determine the experience of dental caries in individuals with FXS, by examining the saliva profile, oral hygiene, socioeconomic characteristics and use of controlled drugs in these patients. Dental health was estimated using the decayed, missing and filled teeth index (DMF-T) and sialometry, and the pH value and buffering capacity of the saliva, colony forming units of S. mutans (CFU/mL), visible biofilm index, and socioeconomic status were all examined. The sample, comprising 23 individuals, had an average age of 17.3 ± 5.6 years, a DMF-T index of 5.5, a diminished salivary flow (78.3%), and a low (73.9%) saliva buffering capacity. Most (52.2%) individuals presented with a high abundance (CFU/mL) of S. mutans. The experience of caries was correlated with salivary parameters, poor oral hygiene, lower socioeconomic status and an increased count of S. mutans in saliva.

Pilocarpina no tratamento de xerostomia em pacientes submetidos à iodoterapia: estudo piloto / Pilocarpine used to treat xerostomia in patients submitted to radioactive iodine therapy: a pilot study

Xerostomia é uma queixa tardia frequente associada à iodoterapia. Terapias para o tratamento desta morbidade podem proporcionar melhora na qualidade de vida dos pacientes com câncer de tireoide submetidos à iodoterapia adjuvante. OBJETIVOS: Relatar a experiência com o uso da pilocarpina no tratamento de xerostomia em pacientes com câncer de tireoide submetidos à iodoterapia adjuvante. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Cinco pacientes preencheram os critérios de inclusão e receberam 5mg de pilocarpina, 3 vezes ao dia, por uma semana. Os efeitos colaterais do medicamento e a resposta subjetiva à queixa de xerostomia após o tratamento foram avaliados. DESENHO DO ESTUDO: Trata-se de um estudo prospectivo, não-randomizado. RESULTADOS: Sudorese foi o efeito colateral mais comum com o uso da pilocarpina, seguido por cansaço e dor de cabeça. Dois pacientes relataram alívio da xerostomia com o uso da medicação, mas somente um paciente foi capaz de tolerar os efeitos colaterais. CONCLUSÕES: Pilocarpina parece aliviar os sintomas de xerostomia em pacientes submetidos à iodoterapia, já que o medicamento é capaz de estimular o fluxo salivar. No entanto, os efeitos colaterais observados inviabilizam seu uso por recusa por parte dos pacientes em continuar a terapia por períodos mais longos.

Xerostomia complaint is very commonly associated to radioactive iodine therapy. Alternatives to treat this morbidity can offer better quality of life to patients with thyroid cancer submitted to adjuvant iodine therapy. AIM: to report on the experience with pilocarpine on the treatment of xerostomia in thyroid cancer patients submitted to adjuvant radioactive iodine therapy (RIT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The five patients who met the inclusion criteria received 5mg of pilocarpine, 3 tid for one week. Side effects of the drug and subjective response to xerostomia complaints after treatment were evaluated. DESIGN: it is a prospective, non-randomized study. RESULTS: Sudoresis was the most frequent side effect of pilocarpine use, followed by fatigue and headache. Two patients reported relief of xerostomia using pilocarpine, but only one patient was able to tolerate the side effects. CONCLUSIONS: Pilocarpine seems to relieve xerostomia complaints in thyroid cancer patients because it is able to stimulate salivary flow, but the observed side effects made the patients refuse long-term therapy continuation.