Periodontal Condition In Crack Users

Introduction: The crack is a derivative of cocaine mixed with sodium bicarbonate, forming small stones. The crack smoke comes in direct contact with the oral mucosa resulting in lesions such as ulcers in the mouth due to high temperature. Drug users often show a condition of poor oral hygiene. Objective: Examine the effects of crack on periodontal status in a group of crack dependent. Methods: The study included 156 male subjects divided into three equal groups: nonsmokers (C), smokers of tobacco (T) and smokers of tobacco and crack (TC). 10 teeth were probed based on the CPITN index at 6 sites for probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival index (GI) according to Silness & Löe, plaque index (PI) according to Silness & Löe, tooth bleeding on probing (BOP), frequency of brushing daily average (FB), time and amount of tobacco use (cigarettes) and crack (rocks) in units per day were evaluated. Results: The mean age of subjects was 32.1 years. A total of 9360 sites were probed. Group T: PD and CAL was 2.8 and 3.0 respectively IP 1 (40.4%) IG 2 (73.1%) FB 2.6, BOP 4.9. Time of use and quantity of tobacco for T and TC was 13 and 14 years, 15.9 and 20.1 cigarettes, respectively. Group TC: PD and CAL 2.7 and 2.8 respectively IP 2 (32.7%) IG 2 (84.6%) FB 2.9, BOP 4.7. For TC, time and amount of crack use were 6.9 years and 14.3 stones. Student t test and chi-square test showed no statistical significance between the mean PD, CAL, IP and IG between groups T and TC. Pearson correlation showed a positive association (p <0.05) between time of crack use and the CAL. Conclusion: Unlike thought the crack was not able to affect the periodontal status equal or worse then cigarette.