Methods: Utilizing a stratified cluster random sampling method, a structured self-administered survey was carried out at eight addiction treatment centers from different socioeconomic areas of the city in 2011.
In addition to socio-demographic characteristics and addiction history, participants were asked about their oral health behavior comprising questions on frequency of brushing, using fluoride toothpaste, flossing, eating sugary snacks, smoking, and the time of last visit to dentist. Using these components a total score of oral health behavior for each patient was calculated. Associations were determined using linear regression model.
Results: Totally, 813 patients (96% men) with mean age of 40.5 years (SD=11.5) participated in the study. A clear majority of the patients had higher than basic education (89%) and were employed (72%).
Approximately half of the participants didn’t brush their teeth daily, more than 80% of them reported flossing sometimes or never, 57% stated eating sugary snacks at least twice a day, and 78% were daily smokers. While around half of them (51%) reported having visited a dentist during the last year, 72% of them did this because of a dental problem.
Low oral health behavior scores were significantly associated with male gender, lower education and long duration of addiction (p<0.05).
Conclusions: Poor oral health behavior was found among drug abusers. Sufficient dental care should be integrated to other existing health care services in addiction treatment centers.