Information about Meth Mouth

"Information taken from PA Dental Association." The Truth About Meth: A Devastating and Addictive Drug

On the street it's known as meth, speed, ice, chalk, crank, fire, glass or crystal. Methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug that wreaks havoc on the entire body, including the user's oral health.  Approximately 10 million Americans have tried methamphetamine, while more than 1.4 million are habitual users.

An individual can become almost immediately addicted after their first use of the drug. Methamphetamine is a potent central nervous system stimulant that mirrors chemicals in the brain that transmit messages of gratification and euphoria. It releases large amounts of dopamine, creating an intense high or feeling of pleasure. It then damages and blocks dopamine transporters, which affect motor skills, memory, attention and the ability to feel pleasure. Eventually, it depletes the brain's production of normal chemical messages that create pleasurable feelings.

Methamphetamine use can cause serious health problems, including permanent and irreversible brain damage, respiratory problems, hyperthermia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, strokes, high blood pressure, extensive tooth decay and even death.

The mouth of a methamphetamine user is often referred to as a "meth mouth," because of the rampant tooth decay that occurs with the use of this drug. Methamphetamine use affects dental health in several ways, including:

  • The teeth become blackened, stained and rotted, and crumble and fall apart. Many users also experience sore and bleeding gums.
  • The acidic ingredients of methamphetamine can damage teeth. Ingredients can include battery acid, lantern fuel, antifreeze, hydrochloric acid, drain cleaner and over-the-counter cold medications containing ephedrine. Users of methamphetamine habitually grind and clench their teeth.
  • Users can experience dry mouth as methamphetamine use dries up the protective saliva around the teeth.
  • While high, users often crave sugary beverages, bathing the teeth in sugary acids.
  • The high from methamphetamine typically lasts about 12 hours, during which time users are usually not brushing or flossing their teeth. This can lead to long periods of poor oral hygiene.

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