Meth Mouth The Effects of Methamphetamines on Teeth

Meth Mouth The Effects of Methamphetamines on Teeth Addiction Drug Use Meth Print The Effects of Methamphetamines on Dental Health By Tammy Davenport  Tammy Davenport is a dental assistant with experience on the clinical and administrative side. Learn about our editorial policy Tammy Davenport Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on August 08, 2019 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on February 23, 2020  Daniel Kaesler / EyeEm  / Getty Images More in Addiction Drug Use Meth Cocaine Heroin Marijuana Ecstasy/MDMA Hallucinogens Opioids Prescription Medications Alcohol Use Addictive Behaviors Nicotine Use Coping and Recovery Methamphetamine, also known simply as meth, is a strong stimulant street drug thats highly addictive. The use of methamphetamines can cause serious health issues, including severe and highly visible problems with the mouth and teeth. In fact, the association between methamphetamine use and dental disease has become so popularized in media that its been given its own epithet: meth mouth.?? What Is Meth Mouth? “Meth mouth” is a term used to describe the visible effects of oral disease in a person who uses methamphetamine because of the rampant tooth decay that often occurs with the drugs use. People who use methamphetamine may have blackened, stained, broken, or rotting teeth both as a result of side effects of the drug itself and related lifestyle factors.?? While meth mouth is not a clinical diagnosis, according to the American Dental Association, there is a high rate of both dental decay and periodontal disease among people who use methamphetamine. Results of a study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association found, in a group of 571 methamphetamine users:?? 96% had tooth decay31% were missing 6 or more teethOnly 23% had all of their natural teeth6% of older meth users had fewer than 10 teeth40% admitted that they were embarrassed about their dental appearance How Meth Can Damage Your Mouth Methamphetamine use damages dental health in several ways:?? Poor diet: Under the influence of meth and often during withdrawal, people often experience cravings for sugary foods and carbonated beverages, which are bad for teeth.Lack of dental hygiene: The meth high can last up to 12 hours, during which time users often do not practice good dental hygiene such as brushing or flossing, which leave the sugary substances on their teeth for long periods of time.Drug additives: The acidic contents of this drug can also damage teeth. Additives can include battery acid, lantern fuel, antifreeze, hydrochloric acid, drain cleaner, lye, and over-the-counter cold medications containing ephedrine.Bruxism: Methamphetamine use can lead to the development of bruxism, a condition in which people clench and/or grind their teeth.Xerostomia: Stimulant use, including meth, can also lead to xerostomia, or dry mouth, reducing protective saliva around the teeth. Can Meth Mouth Be Reversed? A study of people who use meth in China found that more than 97% had decayed teeth, but prevalence of decay was lower among those who used meth for fewer years and those who brushed their teeth at least twice per day.?? But even when practicing good dental hygiene, its difficult to prevent the dental damage that often occurs with meth use. And while less serious cases of tooth decay can be treated, it cant be reversed. In fact, using methamphetamine can cause decay to the extent that the teeth cannot be saved and must be pulled instead. Unfortunately, there is not much that a dentist can do for a patient with meth mouth and successful treatment usually includes tooth extraction rather than reversal of the oral disease. Ultimately, the best course of treatment for someone living with oral disease caused by meth use is to treat the addiction. The dentist may choose to educate patients on the effects of the drug and offer resources such as drug counseling services. Treating meth addiction is usually a long, ongoing process that requires medical detox along with ongoing therapy and social support to prevent a relapse. A Word From Verywell The physical appearance meth mouth is often shocking, and studies have shown that people who experience it are self-conscious about their appearance.?? Unfortunately, dental disease is but one of the health problems associated with methamphetamine use. If you or a loved one suffers from meth addiction, talk to a doctor, therapist, or attend a support group. Help is available, but its important for you to take the first step and ask for it. Methamphetamine: Everything You’ve Been Afraid to Ask