Association between crack cocaine use and reduced salivary flow

Abstract

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.

Reasons for and Consequences of the Combined Use of Crack Cocaine and Alcohol in Brazil:

“…Fox et al [35] found that access to one of these drugs during abstinence in users who used the cocaine-alcohol combination increased the self-reported craving for both drugs, reinforcing the hypothesis of a conditioned stimulus. This mechanism would explain, at least in part, how alcohol consumption increases cocaine consumption and vice versa [36,37]. Thirst seems to be an unpleasant symptom caused by the reduction of salivary flow due to cocaine consumption, accompanied by xerostomia [38].…”

“…Several studies reported an increase in the number of injuries and violence caused by alcohol consumption [45,46]. However, the association of cocaine and alcohol is related to more severe psychological problems [36] and in particular with an increment of suicidal and homicidal behavior [47] with respect to the use of cocaine or alcohol alone. Considering the synergistic effect of crack cocaine and alcohol, the authors claim that this drug combination may lead to violent thoughts and an increase in aggressive behaviors [48].…”

“…Considering the synergistic effect of crack cocaine and alcohol, the authors claim that this drug combination may lead to violent thoughts and an increase in aggressive behaviors [48]. Other studies also identified this problem, and users of this drug combination presented adverse outcomes, including non-consensual sexual intercourse and criminal activities [36,37]. In this respect, the authors claim that alcohol consumption produces a conditioned motivational state for cocaine use by increasing the craving for cocaine.…”

Oral manifestations in drug users: A review

“…These patients all present a decreased salivary pH, thus increasing the risk of caries (5,11). Antoniazzi et al (15) detected a decrease in salivary flow in consumers of crack (15). Cocaine can also generate involuntary jaw movements, these dyskinesias can be caused by both cocaine and crack (2).…”

Manifestaciones de cabeza y cuello secundarias al uso de cocaína. Revisión bibliográfica

“…El consumo de cocaína, tanto por vía nasal como por otras vías, puede provocar múltiples afecciones en la cavidad oral [85][86][87][88][89][90][91][92][93]. Un estudio realizado por la Escuela de Odontología de la Universidad Federal de Bahía (Brasil) documentó una prevalencia de patología oral del 25% en los pacientes adictos a la cocaína frente al 9,9% de los controles que no consumían.…”