Oral Pathological Features in Methamphetamine Users in Eastern China

Background Methamphetamine (METH), a highly addictive stimulant, is associated with severe oral health consequences termed “METH Mouth”. Numerous studies have shown that METH is associated with dental diseases, but no study has systematically elucidated the distribution of root caries among METH users. Meanwhile, wastewater analysis indicated lower METH consumption in China compared to other regions, yet whether this is correlated with reduced impact on oral health remained unexplored. Methods 32 male METH users were recruited in a detoxification center in an eastern China city, while 32 matched-pair participants were recruited as controls. The categories of decayed teeth (DT), missing teeth (MT), filled teeth (FT), decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) index, dental plaque, and pH of saliva were recorded. Information such as oral habits and dietary exposure was collected via questionnaire and analyzed. Results Compared to the control group, the METH cohort demonstrated significantly lower salivary pH ( P  = 0.011), higher systematic diseases prevalence ( P  < 0.001), and elevated xerostomia incidence ( P  = 0.006). Significant intergroup disparities were observed in DT ( P  = 0.041) and DMFT indices ( P  = 0.027) between the two groups. Within the METH group, MT was correlated with age ( P  = 0.005) and brushing frequency ( P  = 0.026), with root surface caries exclusively detected (mean decayed surfaces:1.53 ± 2.44) and exhibiting a predilection for the premolars and maxillary anterior teeth area. Conclusions The 32 studied METH users in eastern China demonstrated significantly poorer caries status and a higher systemic disease burden than the controls. They exhibited heightened susceptibility to root caries, with predilection for premolar and maxillary anterior regions. Reduced tooth brushing frequency was identified as a key risk factor for their exacerbated caries profile. These Chinese METH users showed less severity of oral health impairments than users in higher METH consumption regions in the world.