How Methamphetamine Use Effects Dental Health

Stan Jones March 28, 2019

Methamphetamine, popularly known as meth, can have a devastating impact on oral health. Apart from being highly addictive, methamphetamine is a deadly drug that can cause permanent brain damage and stroke.

The potential damage due to meth use was established in a 2015 study by the National Institute on Drug Abuse to understand the ill-effects of methamphetamine on dental health, and the findings published in The Journal of the American Dental Association.

What is Meth Mouth?

Regular methamphetamine users or addicts suffer from acute tooth decay and gum conditions known as “meth mouth.” The decay resembles early childhood caries and is indicated by teeth that are about to fall or break out. Almost all methamphetamine users (9 out 10) suffer from cavities while close to 60% have tooth decay. Alarmingly, 31% of meth users have six or more missing teeth. The above figures were arrived at after examining the mouth of 571 methamphetamine users.

Most people with methamphetamine addiction have severe dental health conditions characterized by stained, rotting, blackened and disintegrating teeth as well as bad, swollen gums. As oral hygiene is not a priority for meth addicts, the drug’s acidic nature and long periods of dental uncleanness among meth users lead to extensive tooth decay and deteriorating oral health. Teeth that are lost to methamphetamine abuse are mostly unsalvageable.

Causes of Meth Mouth

Following are the major causes of methamphetamine-related oral health problems:

Meth causes dryness of mouth and reduces saliva production, which provides a protective layer around teeth

Methamphetamine induces cravings for high-calorie carbonated beverages that are detrimental to dental health

Meth users tend to grind and clench their already weak and crumbling teeth

Most meth users under its influence (which can last up to 12 hours) are not likely to clean their teeth

Side Effects or Indications of Meth Use

A highly addictive drug, methamphetamine can cause severe health problems. People who are addicted to this drug experience the following side-effects or display the following symptoms:

Short-Term Side Effects

Nausea
Shortness of breath
Vomiting
Insomnia
Increase in respiration rate
Hyperthermia
Diarrhea
Hyperactivity or restlessness

Long-Term Effects

High blood pressure
Stroke
Irregular heartbeats
Paranoia
Extreme aggressiveness
Anxiety
Hallucinations
Confusion

The encouraging trend is that meth use is on a nationwide decline, and according to Statista, there were 14,533 methamphetamine users in the US in 2016. However, meth use remains a problem in US’s West and Midwest.

If you, a member of your family, or a friend in San Diego require assistance to deal with meth addiction or meth use, get in touch with Lasting Recovery : https:lastingrecovery.com or call us at: 858-453-4315

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