The Perfect Storm
Extended meth use causes permanent damage to a user's body, including their teeth. It creates a "perfect storm" for dental disease and tooth decay. Explore the causes below to see how a meth habit can destroy a user's mouth.
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- Lack of Saliva
- Decreased Blood Flow
- Tooth Grinding or Clenching
- Horrible Hygiene
- Poor Diet
Terms
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Clenching or grinding of the teeth. Methamphetamine can cause users to clench and grind their teeth resulting in tooth enamel erosion and cracked teeth. Cindy's Story
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A form of periodontal disease that destroys tissues that support the teeth, including the gums, ligaments, and the tooth sockets. Meth users often suffer from gingivitis due to poor oral hygiene, diet, and the drug’s effect on the immune system.
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A severe form of gingivitis, with painful swelling and ulcers in the gums. Symptoms include bad breath and crater-like ulcers between the teeth. Meth users can develop this due to poor oral health, hygiene, and diet.
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Also known as “dry mouth,” this happens when Meth restricts blood flow in the gums and lessens the amount of saliva. Without the protection of saliva, cavities and chronic bad breath can develop.
