Understanding the SUD & Dental Health Connection
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) often leads to neglect of self-care, resulting in severe oral health issues like broken, infected, or extracted teeth, which can lead to chronic pain and reduced quality of life. Poor oral health can exacerbate anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues, making recovery from SUD more challenging. Pre-existing oral health issues can significantly impact SUD treatment and recovery. Dental complications may exacerbate compulsive symptoms of addictive behaviors and create a cycle of disparity in Social Determinants of Health (SDoH), leading to relapse, loss of employment, dropping out of school, isolation, justice involvement, or homelessness.
Integrating Oral Health in Routine Care
Providers should regularly assess oral health as part of routine check-ups, recognizing that some behavioral symptoms may stem from poor oral health. Promoting preventive and restorative dental care is crucial. Encouraging regular dental check-ups and cleanings, along with educating members about maintaining good oral hygiene, can make a significant difference in health outcomes. Providers can include questions about oral health in initial and ongoing evaluations as well as collaborating with dental professionals to support a coordinated treatment approach. Educational outreach, such as providing materials and workshops on the importance of oral health, can further raise awareness.
Addressing Oral Health in SUD Treatment
To address oral health in SUD treatment, harm reduction strategies should include providing clean oral hygiene supplies and education on minimizing substance use effects on oral health. Integration of oral health care into SUD treatment programs can emphasize overall health. Offering emergency referrals for dental services and supporting members with pain management strategies to encourage oral health care engagement are also key steps.
Building Rapport with Members
- Adopt a Non-Judgmental Approach: Create a trusting and open environment by approaching members oral health conditions without judgment.
- Active Listening: Show empathy and understanding by paying close attention to members dental concerns and needs.
- Develop Personalized Care Plans: Foster trust and cooperation by tailoring care plans to align with our members specific oral health goals and circumstances.
Coaching on Oral Health Issues
- Educate on Oral Health and Overall Well-being: Inform members about the connection between oral health and overall health (diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular, etc…).
- Teach Proper Oral Hygiene Techniques: Share effective brushing, flossing, and general oral hygiene practices regardless of substance use. We can’t assume everyone knows or remembers.
- Encourage Regular Dental Visits: Stress the importance of routine dental check-ups and preventive care for long-term oral health maintenance especially while recovering from SUD or still using substances.
Utilizing Resources for Oral Health Care
- Community Health Clinics and Specialized Programs: Direct members to local clinics and specialized dental programs for substance use disorders.
- Federally Qualified Health Centers and Low-Cost Clinics: Recommend centers and clinics that offer affordable dental services.
Resources and Support for Comprehensive Care
It is essential to provide resources and support to address oral health issues effectively. Offering information on emergency dental benefits, such as those available in Arizona (refer to AMPM 310-D1), when referring members to dental care providers, can help address immediate needs. Addressing social determinants of health (SDoH) by understanding the broader impact of poor oral health on factors like employment and housing is also important. Providers should work with members to break the cycle of disparity, ensuring that oral/dental health issues are comprehensively addressed and do not contribute to ongoing social challenges.
For more information and support, the following resources are available:
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