Khat and synthetic cathinones: emerging drugs of abuse with dental implications

Publication date: Available online 22 November 2017
Source:Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology
Author(s): Worku Abebe
The rising global availability of the stimulant and euphoric substances, khat and synthetic cathinones, has become a cause for concern in many countries, including the US. Both substances are illegal in US, although this has not deterred the use. Besides central nervous system effects, these drugs also cause sympathomimetic and oro-dental adverse effects, similar to those of amphetamine. While synthetic cathinones are more stronger than khat in most cases, the latter additionally contains tannins, which have astringent effects on tissues components, including in the oral cavity. Recognizing the use prevalence and reported oro-dental adverse effects of khat and synthetic cathinones, dental practitioners should be more familiar with these substances in order to optimally treat and educate their patients abusing them. This paper reviews the pharmacology and adverse effects of khat and synthetic cathinones, along with the extent of their use in US, with particular emphasis on dental implications.



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