Perception of oral health status of adolescents and young adults undergoing substance abuse treatment.

Abstract

Objective: to determine the oral health status perception of adolescents and young adults in drug dependence treatment. Material and Method: a qualitative research model was proposed. The theoretical sample by saturation consisted of adolescent population and young adults hospitalized in the Portal Amarillo center (the National Drug Information and Reference Center, Montevideo, Uruguay). Inclusion criteria: a) being between 15 and 24 years old. b) being in treatment for drug abuse. Exclusion criteria: a) non-lucid patients. b) non-collaborating patients. Results: participants considered oral health as having clean, white and aligned teeth; and oral disease as the presence of caries, bleeding gums and communicable diseases; chewing, aesthetics and taste were seen as altered functions. Before becoming drug consumers, oral hygiene was regular, after meals and as instructed; once addiction began, hygiene was very irregular at best (if they remember to do it), and without reinforcement of the instruction. Prior to drug consumption, participants were students or held a job; they had a good family life, with a partner or in search of one. After consumption, they report self-marginalization, loss of contact with partners and children, isolation from the family and social discrimination. Addiction makes it difficult for them to access dental care, except in urgent situations. Conclusions: Young people in treatment for drug dependence are aware that addiction damages oral health, deteriorating aesthetics, affecting oral functions, self-esteem and quality of life.