Substance Abuse: A Factsheet for the Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Manveen Kaur Lamba; Dr. Sadanand Kulkarni; Dr. Arun Sajjanar; Dr. Priyanka Gupta; Dr. Sumit Rajewar

Volume : IX, Issue : V, May - 2020

Substance Abuse: A Factsheet for the Pediatric Dentist

Dr. Manveen Kaur Lamba, Dr. Sadanand Kulkarni, Dr. Arun Sajjanar, Dr. Priyanka Gupta, Dr. Sumit Rajewar

Abstract :

Substance use among children and adolescents is a public health concern in several parts of the world. India has one of the largest proportion of children and adolescents in the world. The demographic base of our communities is rapidly evolving and has intensified the need for an awareness regarding substance abuse by teenagers. This subject in the past remained beyond the traditional concerns of a pediatric dentist. Therefore, this review has been carried out regarding the evolving demographics, the proportion of teenagers involved with substance abuse, the rationale for the use of varying elicit substances and the associated symptoms. The series of options for action that can be considered by a pediatric dentist in the care of teenagers using elicit substances and modifications during dental treatment are also included. The population-level interventions to prevent this reckless havoc are also included. The pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of drug dependence are also touched upon.