Is drug use associated with the presence of periodontitis and oral lesions? A meta-analysis.

Purpose: This systematic review investigated whether drug use is associated with the presence of oral lesions and periodontitis.

Methods: A search was performed for studies that analyzed the presence of periodontitis and/or oral lesions in users of crack, cocaine, and/or marijuana in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Observational studies in English, Spanish, or Portuguese, without limitation of year, age, and sex, were included. Studies that did not evaluate periodontitis and oral lesions according to the eligibility criteria were excluded. Two authors independently performed study selection and data extraction using a standardized form. The risk of bias of studies included in the meta-analysis was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist. The meta-analysis included studies that investigated the association of drug use with the outcome.

Results: The initial search resulted in 9,279 articles, from which 16 studies with 15,434 participants were included in the review and 8 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Most studies that evaluated periodontitis in drug users and non-users found a positive association in users. Most studies that analyzed oral lesions reported a higher prevalence, association, or risk of oral lesions in drug users than in non-users. A critical evaluation identified a need to improve the control and reporting of confounding factors in studies on this topic. An association was found between periodontitis and the use of crack, cocaine, and/or marijuana (odds ratio [OR], 1.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-3.27; P=0.04) and between oral lesions and the use of these drugs (OR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.58-2.86; P<0.001).

Conclusions: Drug users are more likely to develop oral lesions and periodontitis than non-users. However, the results should be interpreted with caution, considering the heterogeneity and quality of the studies included in the analysis.