RECOVERING drug addicts and alcoholics in Worcestershire have been given advice on the impact of their habits on their mouths and teeth.

Members of Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust’s Community Dental Service gave a presentation at Pathways to Recovery, a service supporting people with alcohol and drug use problems, on Thursday, February 12.

Drink and drug abuse can significantly increase the likelihood of developing mouth cancer while substances such as marijuana and heroin can cause a dry mouth and increase the risk of gum disease, bad breath and other problems.

Cocaine can cause spontaneous bleeding while children of mothers abusing the drug have an increased likelihood of being born with tongue tie, when the piece of skin attaching the tongue to the floor of the moth is too small and tight.

As alcoholic drinks contain a lot of sugar and acid binge drinking can result in tooth decay while stimulants such as ecstasy and cocaine can cause grinding of the teeth.

Dental health coordinator with Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust Alison Willis said drug taking can result in a “chaotic” as well as poor hygiene and nutrition, which in turn can result in dental problems.

“Oral health is an important part of general health and wellbeing,” she said. “Dental care of recovering drug users can not only improve their oral health, but can assist them construct a 'non-addict' identity.”

Locality lead at Pathways to Recovery Tina Williams said many drug or alcohol users give little consideration to their oral health.

“What we know is that, once an individual has their substance misuse under control, their self esteem is significantly improved where they are supported in improving their personal presentation,” she said.

For information on NHS dental services in Worcestershire call 01905 760000 or visit www.hacw.nhs.uk.