The Partnership for A Drug Free America calls crystal meth a dangerous and highly addictive street drug that can lead to severe physiological and psychological dependence. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, meth has many names on the street including Chalk, Crystal, Glass, Ice, Speed, Tina and Chrissy. By any name, crystal meth can have devastating effects on the teeth.
Meth Mouth
Frontline tells us that meth mouth refers to the extreme tooth decay that is common with people who abuse the drug crystal meth. Users with this condition show blackened, stained and rotting teeth which often cannot be saved, even for young or short term users.
Meth Ingredients
The METH Awareness and Prevention Project of North Dakota reports that meth amphetamines are cut with a number or corrosive products such as lye, red phosphorus and muriatic and sulfonic acids. When these products are used improperly they will burn through skin and when smoked or snorted the corrosive materials are introduced to the mouth, coating the teeth and often causing open sores and infections.
Dry Mouth
Crystal meth usage can cause dry mouth. When the production of saliva is reduced, this can raise bacteria levels in the mouth to ten times the normal amount. Saliva mixes with foods and other substances to help protect teeth by neutralizing acids that break down tooth enamel. Without saliva to neutralize acids, teeth begin to erode causing weak spots and holes which can turn into cavities.
Gum Disease
Ingestion of crystal meth causes the blood vessels to shrink, cutting the blood supply to the gum tissues. Over time, with repeated use, vessels shrink and die. Once the supply of blood is cut off, gum tissue dies and the teeth begin to decay. Decaying teeth will eventually crack, break and need to be pulled to prevent severe infections.
Broken Teeth
The American Dental Association reports that meth addicts tend to grind their teeth and clench their jaw while high. The constant force exerted on the teeth causes them to crack and weaken. Over time, this can cause teeth to soften and break.
References
- The METH Awareness and Prevention Project of North Dakota: Meth Closer Than You Think
- Frontline: The Meth Epidemic: How Meth Destroys the Body
- American Dental Association: Methamphetamine Use and Oral Health
- US Drug Enforcement Administration: Methamphetamine
- Partnership for a Drug Free America: Crystal Meth
