Meth Mouth

Causes: Meth mouth is caused by use of methamphetamine drugs. A methamphetamine “high” usually lasts around 12 hours, which results in improper oral hygiene for extended amounts of time. Users are susceptible to tooth decay because 1) the drug dries the salivary glands which are the first line of defense against decay 2) while “high,” users often crave carbonated beverages that are loaded with sugar and 3) the user often has very poor oral hygiene habits.

Symptoms:

• Extensive tooth decay—especially at the gum line of the teeth
• Dry mouth    
• Teeth grinding or clenching due to drug affecting the nervous system
• Malnourished appearance because methamphetamines are appetite suppressants
  
  

  Diagnosis and Treatment: Often times tooth decay is too great to salvage the teeth and thus they must be extracted.