[Findings from the clinical examination of the oral cavity of one hundred drug addicts].

Abstract

The authors studied the findings from the clinical examination of the oral cavity of one hundred drug addicts that were prisoners at Korydalos prison, in order to evaluate the incidence and the possible correlation of these findings to the drug abuse. This study revealed that drug addicts present lesions of the oral mucosa such as redness of the pharyngeal mucosa (57%), melanchromatic spots on the lips (35%) and hairy tongue (57%). Also, a high incidence of carious lesions was found (46%), of missing teeth (42%) and of periodontal disease (57%). These percentages are much higher than those found in a random population. It was also revealed that in the above group there was a high incidence of serum hepatitis (23%) and of AIDS (8%), while other systemic diseases were also found.