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Oral Health Among Illicit Drug Users in Northern Finland

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The aim of the study was to provide evidence on the oral health of Northern Finnish people with experience of illicit drug use, referenced against the age-matched general population, Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 (NFBC1986). In total, 118/1551 subjects, average age 33/34 years, and 66%/40% males participated in the studies for the people with experience of drug use and NFBC1986, respectively. Most of the people who use drugs were single, unemployed, or retired, and had a low level of education, whereas the opposite was true for NFBC1986. A majority of the people with experience of drug use were active smokers whereas 17% in NFBC1986 reported smoking. The people who use drugs had fewer teeth, more caries lesions, more severe consequences of caries and plaque, and more frequently reduced salivary flow, than the general population. The people who use drugs had poorer oral health compared to the age-matched general population.

Source: Journal of Drug Issues

DOI: 10.1177/00220426251326048

Authors: Raija Vainionpää, Outi Kokkola, Marja-Liisa Laitala, Vuokko Anttonen, Antti Tiisanoja

Institutions: University of Oulu, Oulu University Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Dental Health and Care Utilization

Subfield: Periodontics

Field: Dentistry

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,650