DRUG abuse is a matter of great concern as it is increasing day by day. There are various types of drugs which are abused, such as alcohol, cocaine, cannabis, tobacco, among others.

Patients who abuse these drugs are physically, mentally and emotionally dependent on them and cannot voluntarily leave them alone. These drugs negatively affect a patient’s overall health in general and that patient’s oral health in particular.

Patients who are addicted to drugs suffer from poor oral hygiene, increased prevalence of dental and periodontal diseases. One disease in particular that is exacerbated by drug use is oral cancer.

The single greatest risk factor for oral cancer is tobacco. All forms of tobacco have been implicated as causative agents including cigarette, cigar and pipe tobacco, as well as chewing tobacco.

THE ALCOHOL CONNECTION

Although tobacco use has been proven to increase the risk of oral cancer, people who use both alcohol and tobacco are at an especially high risk of contracting the disease.

Scientists now believe that these substances synergistically interact, increasing each other’s harmful effects. Alcohol abuse, when defined as more than 21 standard drinks in one week, is already the second-largest risk factor for the development of oral cancer.

Alcohol’s effect on the mouth may be the key to understanding how it works with tobacco to increase the risk of developing cancer. The dehydrating effect of alcohol on cell walls enhances the ability of tobacco carcinogens to permeate mouth tissues; additionally, nutritional deficiencies associated with heavy drinking can lower the body’s natural ability to use antioxidants to prevent the formation of cancers. It is widely accepted that eliminating the use of oral tobacco, as well as reducing or eliminating your intake of alcohol, will immediately reduce your risk of developing oral cancer. In fact, within 10 years, your risk for oral cancer should be as low as any other non-drinker/non-smoker.

Alcoholic beverages may also contain a variety of carcinogenic contaminants that are introduced during fermentation and production, such as nitrosamines, asbestos fibres, phenols, and hydrocarbons.

The regular use of illegal drugs can cause significant tooth damage. All illegal drugs carry a high risk to your oral health. Cannabis smoke acts as a carcinogen and can cause premalignant lesions in the mouth, leading to oral cancer.

It is always best to prevent disease than to treat. Please visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and oral cancer screenings.

Dr Sharon Robinson DDS has offices at the Dental Place Cosmetix Spa located at Shop #5, Winchester Business Centre, 15 Hope Road, Kingston 10. She is an adjunct lecturer at the University of Technology, Jamaica School of Oral Health Sciences. Dr Robinson may be contacted at 630-4710.