What are the dental health effects of Methamphetamine (Meth)?

Methamphetamine (also known as meth or crystalline meth) is a powerful and highly addictive chemical substance that can be easily dissolved in water or alcohol. This drug is a white-colored, bitter-tasting crystalline powder and can be taken in multiple ways (i.e.) smoking, injecting, snorting, etc. Persistent use of this drug makes the body impotent to create pleasure-inducing chemicals.

Likewise, the long-term use of meth has various devastating effects on users’ physical, and mental health in many ways. Shortness of breath, seizures, irregular heartbeat, and compromised central nervous system are the most common side effects seen in meth addicts.

Similarly, meth usage has several negative effects on the mouth as well. They are commonly termed “Meth Mouth”. Keep reading to learn more about it.

What is meth mouth?

Meth mouth is the simple term used to define the dental problems occurred due to the excessive use of methamphetamine. This drug has extensive effects on the dental health of people who smoke meth compared to others who sniff or inject it with a needle. Meth smokers have badly stained teeth.

However, the chemical components in meth will cause substantial harm to the oral cavity regardless of how the drug is consumed. Advanced tooth decay, fractured teeth, gum infections, dental attritions, and pain in the jaw bone are some examples.

How does meth affect dental health?

Mostly, the meth mouth happens in 3 stages.

Beginning with bad breath, it exhibits cavities in the front teeth and gum inflammation. Later, the decay progresses, causing gum recession and soreness in the lips. This is then followed by extensive gum disease and tooth loss.

Meanwhile, the impact of meth consumption on physical health also affects the oral mucosa in a variety of ways. Here are a few:

1) Meth reduces salivary flow

Dry mouth is common in meth addicts because the acidic compounds in Methamphetamine form an acidic environment in the user’s mouth. As a consequence, the saliva is absorbed and causes dryness in the mouth. Moreover, frequent use of meth will affect the salivary glands so that salivation decreases.

As saliva plays a crucial role in enamel remineralization and evacuating harmful microbes, lack of saliva will promote oral bacteria and hence various dental dilemmas occur.

2) Enamel erosion

The chemicals associated with producing meth are powerful to erode the enamel. Enamel is the hard outer protective layer of our teeth. When it becomes thin or weak, the sensitive layers underneath are exposed, making them vulnerable to microbial invasion.

3) Pushes the users to drink sugary drinks

People who consume meth frequently do not feel hungry. Instead, the meth addicts would like to take calories in sugar at times when they feel hungry. It forces them to drink sugary drinks, and sparkling water excessively. Everyone is aware that sugar promotes the growth of bacteria and germs in the mouth. Thus meth contributes to a variety of dental disorders.

4) Induces teeth grinding and clenching

As discussed earlier, meth can compromise the central nervous system hence that the meth addicts would become hyperactive at times. In such circumstances, the druggies would grind or clench their teeth. It is a poor oral habit and will weaken the integrity of teeth, increasing the risk of cracks in teeth.

Is it possible to treat meth mouth?

In most cases, Methamphetamine causes irreversible dental damages. It shows symptoms at the point where the impact of meth becomes irreparable. However, dentists provide treatments like veneers, dental crowns, and other appropriate solutions to restore the shape of infected teeth.

If a tooth is deeply infected and cannot be preserved with Root Canal Treatment (RCT), it should be extracted surgically and can be restored with an implant tooth.

Remember that meth is a highly addictive drug and is having detrimental effects on the consumers’ dental health. Such oral complications can be treated only if they are treated at the initial stage.

Would you like to know more about meth mouth treatments? Schedule your appointment with our dentists here or call us at +91- 9445772255.