Meth is a highly addictive substance that can cause serious health problems, such as stroke and irreversible brain damage. According to a December 2015 study published in The Journal of the American Dental Association and supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, it is also disastrous for your oral health.
Severe gum disease and tooth decay are the hallmarks of “meth mouth,” which frequently results in broken or falling teeth. An analysis of 571 methamphetamine users’ mouths revealed:
- 96% of people had cavities.
- 58% of people had untreated dental decay.
- Six or more teeth were missing in 31% of cases.
Methamphetamine addiction is characterized by blackened, discolored, decaying, crumbling, and disintegrating teeth. The teeth must frequently be extracted because they cannot be saved. A combination of drug-induced physiological and psychological changes that result in dry mouth and extended periods of poor oral hygiene are probably the cause of the extensive tooth decay. Additionally, methamphetamine is acidic.
According to the study, tooth decay worsened with increased meth use. Gum disease and tooth decay were more common in women, cigarette smokers, and meth users aged 30 and up.
Meth is a highly addictive substance that can be smoked, snorted, injected, or taken as pills. It is also referred to as speed, ice, glass, and crystal. Up to 12 hours may pass during the high, which makes the brain experience extreme pleasure. Long stretches of poor dental hygiene may result from this. While high, users frequently have cravings for sugary, carbonated, high-calorie drinks. They might also clench or grind their teeth, which can damage teeth.
Short-term side effects of meth include tremors, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, insomnia, hyperactivity, decreased appetite, and shortness of breath. Meth use over time can result in erratic heartbeats, hypertension, stroke, aggressive conduct, anxiety, disorientation, paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions. It may also negatively affect a person’s ability to learn in the long run.
Contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or look for treatment online if you or a loved one is battling meth addiction.