Browsing by Author "Smit, Dirk Albertus"

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    An investigation of the risk factors and effects of methamphetamine on oral health
    (University of the Western Cape, 2014) Smit, Dirk Albertus; Naidoo, Sudeshni
    The aim of the study was to document the oral health status of individuals using methamphetamine. Methamphetamine (TIK) is a highly addictive drug that acts as a stimulant for the central nervous system. The clinical picture of methamphetamine abuse is termed “Meth Mouth” and can be explained by contributing factors such as dry mouth, a poor appetite, consumption of large amounts of soft drinks and poor oral hygiene. A cross-sectional study was conducted at 22 different substance addiction treatment centres in the Western Cape. A questionnaire was administered to elicit demographic details, diet, drug addiction, dental status and medical history. The aim of the study was to document the oral health status of methamphetamine users. The study consisted of a convenience sample of 308 participants who used methamphetamine as a primary drug of choice. An oral examination was performed to measure dental caries status (DMFT) and treatment needs. The majority was male, unemployed and between 25 and 29 years old. The mean duration of drug addiction was 6 years predominantly on a daily basis and 93.51% by smoking the drug. The mean DMFT was 10 and dental extractions were the most common procedure performed at the last dental visit. A significant difference was observed between levels of education and the mean number of extractions that were required per participant. The duration of exposure to methamphetamine was related to the number of decayed, missing and filled teeth. The majority experienced a bad taste, stiff facial muscles and a dry mouth when using the drug. Diet included large quantities of liquids (mainly beer and soft drinks) and the majority reported having a poor appetite. Users brushed their teeth less frequently when using methamphetamine.
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    Oral health-related quality of life, dental status and treatment needs of people with substance use disorder
    (University of the Western Cape, 2025) Smit, Dirk Albertus; Naidoo, Sudeshni
    Introduction: Substance use disorder (SUD) remains a growing health problem globally with the 2021 prevalence of 5.8% representing 296 million people who used drugs. The oral health impact of substance use disorder has been comprehensively described outside South Africa, but not as yet been investigated for its effect on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) especially within the South African context. The present study investigated the oral health status, dental treatment needs, oral health behaviour (OHB) and impact on OHRQoL of patients who were enrolled in a substance use treatment programme in theWestern Cape, South Africa. Furthermore, the study investigated the extent to which oral health interventions were offered for patients being treated for substance use disorder. Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the oral health impact of substance use disorder (SUD), as well as to document the oral health interventions offered to patients enrolled in a treatment programme for a SUD. Methods: A cross-sectional study design with a mixed methods approach was used to collect data, together with standardized instruments, to measure severity of dental caries and presence of periodontal disease. A validated questionnaire was used to determine oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). The dental treatment needs of patients was described from the both the perspective of the patient (using clinical examinations) as well as staff (using focus group discussions) who were working at substance use treatment centres. A qualitative approach was utilized to determine the extent to which oral health interventions were incorporated into the general treatment programme for SUD