Tooth surface loss: does recreational drug use contribute?
OBJECTIVE
This pilot study was designed to measure tooth wear in a sample of 13 subjects who regularly use amphetamine-like drugs (Ecstasy, amphetamines) and compare the observed wear with a matched sample of nondrug users.


METHODS
The two groups, both composed of 13 undergraduate students, were matched for age and sex. Other factors influencing tooth wear were controlled by matching the groups on their responses to a questionnaire asking about recognised common causes of tooth wear. The participants teeth were examined and the degree of wear scored according to a tooth wear index.


RESULTS
Severity of occlusal tooth wear of the lower first molar teeth was significantly greater in the drug user group than in the control group (P<0.05). No other statistically significant differences between the groups were found.


CONCLUSIONS
Regular use of amphetamine-like drugs could be associated with increased posterior tooth wear.
Nixon
Peter J
PJ
Division of Restorative Dentistry, Leeds Dental Institute, United Kingdom. pete-claire@pnixon24.freeserve.co.uk
Youngson
Callum C
CC
Beese
Angela
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000662:Amphetamines / Q000009:adverse effects; D001641:Bicuspid / Q000473:pathology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000009:adverse effects; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications; D003481:Cuspid / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006213:Hallucinogens / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008963:Molar / Q000473:pathology; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine / Q000009:adverse effects; D010865:Pilot Projects; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D014072:Tooth Abrasion / Q000209:etiology*; D019217:Tooth Attrition / Q000209:etiology*; D014077:Tooth Erosion / Q000209:etiology*
D000662:Amphetamines; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D006213:Hallucinogens; D013287:Illicit Drugs; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine