Browsing by Author "Smit, Dirk A."

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    Abuse and oral health
    (South African Dental Association, 2014) Smit, Dirk A.
    This year the SADA theme was hosted by the University of the Western Cape and we hope that the informative material in the dedicated articles and press releases have created awareness among dental practitioners. It is important to recognise that all forms of abuse have an impact on oral health. Most evident are the results of physical abuse with the accompanying effects on society…... surely a matter of concern to every person.
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    Methamphetamine abuse: Oral symptoms and dental treatment needs
    (South African Dental Association, 2016) Smit, Dirk A.; Naidoo, Sudeshni
    BACKGROUND: Methamphetamine: a highly addictive drug commonly used in South Africa. Users often present with poor oral hygiene, grossly decayed teeth and complain of a dry mouth. The prevalence of dental caries among users is high. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was used with a convenience sample of 308 self-reported methamphetamine users who were part of an in- or out-patient rehabilitation programme at one of 22 specialised substance addiction treatment centres in the Western Cape. RESULTS: The majority were in their late twenties, unemployed and not satisfied with the appearance of their teeth. A dry mouth and a bad taste were the most common symptoms reported. More than three quarters reported "stiff" facial muscles and more than half, grinding of their teeth. The most common reason for the last dental visit was toothache and the most common treatment at that visit was dental extraction. CONCLUSION: Lower levels of education were associated with increased numbers of extractions and a higher probability of poor oral health. Xerostomia, a bad taste and "stiff" facial muscles were the most common symptoms reported. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: A thorough intra-oral examination together with comprehensive note taking is crucial for the management of patients abusing methamphetamine.
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    Substance abuse and maxillofacial injuries
    (South African Dental Association, 2014) Ranchod, S.; Smit, Dirk A.; Morkel, Jean A.
    Some of the major causes of maxillofacial injuries are assault/ inter-personal violence (IPV), motor vehicle accidents (MVAs), work-related injuries, sporting accidents and falls. However, the epidemiological data for the different types of injury vary significantly and are influenced by geographic location, socioeconomic status, the time of year when patients are assessed and the type of facility where the study is conducted. The 2012 Statistics South Africa's release document on 'mortality and causes of death in South Africa' indicated that 9.8% of all deaths in South Africa were reported as nonnatural. Transport accidents were the third most common (11.2%) reported cause of non-natural deaths followed by assaults at 10.2%. According to a number of international studies, the face is the most common site affected by assault- related trauma. Substance abuse is a major public health concern in South Africa and has also been rated as the leading health problem in the United States. Intoxication is also the most common denominator associated with violence and injury. In a Swiss study, Eggensperger found that almost a quarter of assault-related facial fractures were caused by people intoxicated with alcohol, illicit drugs or a combination thereof. This article explores epidemiologic data and relevant information related to maxillofacial trauma, specifically associated with alcohol and substance abuse.
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    "Substance and physical abuse: the effects on oral health"
    (South African Dental Association, 2014) Smit, Dirk A.
    Substance abuse is an escalating health problem. Apart from the serious consequences experienced by drug users, such abuse negatively affects the operational activities of law enforcement officers, teachers and health care workers. Adverse pharmacological and physiological effects predispose to permanent changes in neurological processes, to increasingly violent and high-risk sexual behaviour, to a higher susceptibility to HIV and to a detrimental effect on oral health with a consequent decrease in the quality of life.