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Sammanfattning

Substance abuse is a global phenomenon, and it poses not only a major threat to the health of the individuals who abuse legal and illegal drugs, it also affects families, friends, communities and nations. Substance use and misuse is increasing in some countries, and it claims the lives of millions every year, especially alcohol abuse. Cannabis is the most commonly used illegal drug worldwide, but new drugs are emerging on the world market every year. The literature on the effects of illegal drugs on oral health is relatively sparse due to difficulties in recruiting appropriate subjects to clinical trials, and many abusers simply avoid going to the dentist. However, there is strong scientific evidence indicating that many abused drugs are associated with oral health complications including dental caries, enamel erosion, periodontal disease, xerostomia, salivary gland hypofunction and bruxism. Moreover, it is well-known that excessive consumption of alcohol significantly raises the risk of oral cancer. It is important that dentists have a thorough knowledge of the clinical presentation and medical risks presented by patients who abuse drugs and eventually also help them to seek professional help. This chapter focuses on how some of the most commonly abused drugs, including alcohol, affect the oral health.

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