Association between crack cocaine use and reduced salivary flow.

Raquel Pippi Antoniazzi,Maísa Casarin,Carlos Alberto Feldens,Cristina Machado Bragança De Moraes,Amanda Rodrigues Sari

doi:10.1590/1807-3107bor-2017.vol31.0042

Abstract

Crack cocaine use appears to have an impact on oral conditions. However, changes in the salivary flow among crack users have not been fully clarified. The aim of this study was to compare stimulated salivary flow and the occurrence of hyposalivation between crack users and non-users. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 40 crack users and 40 controls matched for sex, age, and smoking habits. Interviews were conducted to acquire data on the perception of dry mouth (xerostomia) and drug use. Stimulated salivary flow was determined using the spitting method. A significant reduction in stimulated salivary flow was found among crack users in comparison to non-users (1.02 vs. 1.59 ml/min). A total of 42.5% and 15% of crack users had very low and low stimulated salivary flow, respectively. Moreover, 65% of users reported xerostomia in comparison to 37.5% non-users (p < 0.012). No significant association was found between xerostomia and hyposalivation (p = 0.384). A multivariate analysis revealed that individuals older than 26 years of age, those with a low household income, and crack users (prevalence ratio: 2.59) had a significant association with the occurrence of hyposalivation. A significant association was found between the use of crack and reduced salivary flow. The use of crack was associated with the occurrence of hyposalivation in the multivariate analysis.

Highlights

Submitted: Aug 05, 2015 Accepted for publication: Mar 23, 2017 Last revision: Apr 17, 2017Crack cocaine use is characterized as a public health problem mainly due to the systemic[1,2] and behavioral consequences.[3]
Salivary flow is essential for these actions[9] and a reduction in salivary flow can lead to an increase in the occurrence of dental caries, oral infections, gastrointestinal complications, and a reduction in the quality of life.[10,11]
74 crack users were eligible for the study

Summary

Introduction

Crack cocaine use is characterized as a public health problem mainly due to the systemic[1,2] and behavioral consequences.[3] In the oral cavity, crack appears to generate heat, vasoconstriction, harmful effects to the immune response, and higher prevalence of periodontitis.[4,5,6,7] the occurrence of changes in salivary flow among crack users has not been fully clarified. Saliva has different functions in the oral cavity, such as physical–mechanical cleaning, tissue protection, lubrication, hydration, permeability barrier formation, changes in microbiota, the regulation of the calcium/phosphate balance, antacid action, the digestion of the food bolus, and swallowing.[8] Salivary flow is essential for these actions[9] and a reduction in salivary flow can lead to an increase in the occurrence of dental caries, oral infections, gastrointestinal complications, and a reduction in the quality of life.[10,11]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion