Oral status perception by individuals in drug dependence

Abstract

General objective: to know the perception of adolescents and young adults linked to the abu­sive consumption of drugs as a result of a dependency situation.
Material and method: a qualitative research model was proposed. The theoretical sample by saturation was of adolescent and young adult population that was attended in Portal Amarillo. Inclusion criteria: a) to be between 15 and 24 years old, b) to be in treatment for drug use. Exclusion criteria: a) non-lucid patients, b) non-collaborating patients.
Results: Participants refer to oral health as clean, white and aligned teeth; as cavities disease, gum bleeding and communicable diseases; and as altered functions chewing, aesthetics and taste. Prior to the dependency situation oral hygiene was regular, after meals and with received instructions. After the dependence the hygiene was very irregular, only if they remembered to do it and without instruction reinforcement. Before consumptions they were individuales integrated into the study or work, with an ordered family life, with a partner or searching for one. After consumption, they reported self-marginalization, loss of the partner and contact with the children, isolation of the family and social discrimination. Consumption makes it difficult to access dental care, except in emergency situations.
Conclusions: Young people in treatment for drug dependency perceive the deterioration of their oral health from the situations of consumption, altering the esthetic, oral functions, self-esteem and quality of life.