According to a study by the Colombian Drug Observatory (ODC), carried out on students between 12 and 17 years of age, the following data was concluded:

• Alcohol Consumption: 70.4% of women consume alcohol compared to 68% of men. Occupying the first position in Latin America.
• Consumption of narcotic substances: 11.7% of students have ever used marijuana, and as occurs with alcohol, women consume more than men.
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The damage caused in the medium and long term by these substances to dental health and the oral cavity are diverse. Among the most common are:

• • Cavities: The consumption of alcohol and / or drugs causes dry mouth, and sometimes this lasts up to 48 hours. Generally, the intake of sugary drinks is increased, which can lead to darkening of teeth and increased cavities.
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  • Gingivitis: inflammation of the gums.
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  • Periodontal disease: better known as pyorrhea or periodontitis, This pathology affects the supporting tissues of the tooth, that is, the bone with its respective gum.
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  • Bruxism: excessive clenching or grinding of teeth causing further tooth decay. Especially in patients with drug addiction.
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  • Decomposition of tooth enamel: some drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine break down tooth enamel and reduce saliva production, leaving the mouth dry and unprotected.
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  • Mouth ulcers: There are different types of mouth ulcers and they can appear on the back of the mouth, the inside of the cheeks, the gums, the lips and the tongue, resulting in problems swallowing and chewing normally.
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  • Bad breath: (They produce the generation of severe halitosis and fetid odors from the mouth, associated with decomposition.
  • Oral cancer: According to the American Cancer Society, Drinking alcoholic beverages increases the risk of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer. About 7 out of 10 oral cancer patients drink a lot of alcohol. The risk of these cancers in people who consume alcoholic beverages and tobacco in excess can be 100 times greater than the risk in people who do not smoke or drink alcoholic beverages.
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Due to the appearance of many of the aforementioned dental diseases, this constitutes the loss of teeth, making basic functions such as speech and food consumption impossible, in addition to this, patients generally go to professionals in late stages.