Methamphetamines Effect on the Mouth
Methamphetamines (also known as meth) addiction has become a devastating and wild spread problem especially in the Northeast Region. Meth clinic and treatment centers have seen a rise in addicts needing help.
While there is a far more devastating effect of meth to it’s users like death, the affect that is has on the body and the mouth is not anything to disregard.
The ingredients use in this drug can include battery acid, lantern fuel, antifreeze, drain cleaner, hydrochloric acid and over the counter medication. These highly acidic contents can damage teeth, drying up protective saliva in the mouth and cause craving for sugary beverage. The high can last for about 12 hours and users will not brush or floss.
As a result this leads to rampant tooth decay and the lost of teeth, this is called meth mouth. With meth mouth the user’s teeth appear stained or black in color, or may even be rotting. This is not only a problem for people who are long-term meth users; meth mouth can occur in people who have only used the drug for a relatively short time.
Way to Recovery and Treatment
It is very difficult to save the teeth if the user is still addicted, a dentist may offer resources to drug counseling services. Once a person has recovered from this action then he or she might be able to do cosmetic surgery to regain their smile. Meth mouth can be treated seeing a dental hygienist, who does a concentrated fluoride treatment to slow down teeth decay. The dentist will determine if teeth can be saved. In severe cases teeth would be extracted and patient fitted with dentures or partials.
To stop the progress of meth mouth, users are encourage to stop using drugs and drink water for dry mouth instead of sugary drinks. They are also encouraged to starting a good hygiene regiment of brushing and flossing regularly and see the dentist to lower the risk of meth mouth.
